How the college application process affects students’ mental health
The college application process is an extremely exciting moment in all of our life. The adrenaline of typing out resumes and showing colleges all that you have and giving it all throughout high school for the moment to see if your dream school says yes or no.
It feels like no matter what you do, there’s always someone out there more qualified and likely to get accepted than you.
— Michelle Bojalad
Sadly, this dream is not a reality for many.
Despite the excitement of the college application process, students deal with much more stress than excitement. In a poll from NYU conducted in 2015: Nearly half (49%) of all students reported feeling a great deal of stress on a daily basis and 31 percent reported feeling somewhat stressed during the process.
Students feel great stress not only amongst themselves but others as well and it ruins many potential great students.
Parents can get involved in that process in a negative way however.
In a Knight Krier poll of 36 seniors, 28% of students said that their 2nd most cause of stress was their parents, right after the self pressure.
Norwin guidance counselor Mrs.Marazza comments on her thoughts about parents getting involved in the process.
“Parents want decisions for the future of their kids because sometimes they don’t know what to do,” said Mary Beth Marazza, Norwin High School guidance counselor. “A 4-year college isn’t for everyone and there are trade and tech schools”
A main reason for stress amongst students during the college application process is hitting deadlines and applying early.
“Because I feel like if I do not submit my applications early, my chances of getting accepted go down,” commented senior Luke Snyder in the Norwin senior poll about the pressure of applying to college.
This concern is consistent throughout different responses in the poll and in interviews as well.
“College admissions start in August and its important to start submitting applications early,” said Marazza in an interview.
Seniors from Norwin gave advice on tips to help younger students navigate their way in the college application process.
In the Norwin poll seniors gave some advice to underclassmen who will go through this process in the future.
“Research colleges early and visit them before senior year so you have an idea of what you’re interested in and looking for BEFORE you need to apply, commented senior Miranda Booth. “Also apply to colleges via the common app for an easier time figuring out which college requires which things because not every college needs certain items.”
The College Application Process can be a difficult and stressful process but with the right people, this can be the most exciting and fulfilling time of your school career.
Anthony is a Senior at Norwin High School and is the President of the newspaper. This is his second year as a part of the staff as he continues his role...
