Taking the Stress out of the College Admissions Process

The college admissions process is stressful for everyone because of the uncertainty of it all: where will my child go to college, how will we pay for it, what will it take to get there?  This onerous process starts in the middle school when students are told that advanced 8th grade classes count towards the “college transcript”.  This pressure is exacerbated in high school and students are pushed to take the most rigorous programs and by the standardized testing craziness especially when students take multiple SAT/ACT/SAT2/AP/IB tests in the Spring of their junior year.  Then comes the application process itself, overwhelming at times with choices, deadlines and stressful family dynamics. This gives the families, especially first timers, a lot of anxiety that permeates until the admittance letters are received.

To reduce stress, it helps to keep things in perspective.    While not everyone will get into the going in #1 choice they will find excellent alternatives.  Key to this is to do the right research and develop a well-balanced college list.  Every school on your list should be a #1 fit school.   Second, I would stress the need be well organized.   Keeping on top of due dates and developing a good schedule around it helps reduce stress.  Nothing worse than ruined holiday vacations because of college applications due on January 1st!    Third, I would encourage student to ask for help when needed.  The high school counselor is a great resource but so is the English teacher or a family friend that can help review essays, etc.  There’s always the opportunity to hire a college consultant or coach to help you through this process.