Taking Care of You
Self worth and evaluation. Being judged by others. An unknown future. Money and finances.
The college admissions process can take us through some uncomfortable areas in our lives, so it’s no wonder it brings up feelings of anxiety.
It’s normal to feel stress during one of the biggest decisions in your young adult life. That’s why it’s important to develop healthy coping techniques to get you through the process. Here are a few tips:
Focus on what you can control, not what you can’t.
It won’t be up to you whether your top school accepts you. It is up to you to do the best that you can throughout high school to prepare your application.
It won’t be up to you whether you’re awarded a top scholarship. It will be up to you to apply to a range of affordable options and to submit any financial aid forms that are required.
It’s often what we can’t control that we fear most. There are many elements of this process that will be out of your hands. But colleges will be looking to review your application based on what is in your control, so stay focused on those goals in order to create your success.
Take time out to do the things that make you feel good and feel good about yourself
For some people, it’s being in nature. For others, it’s a card game with friends. Take the time to explore what activities -- whether physical, social, or reflective -- that help recharge you, and make time for them in your busy schedule. Beyond helping you through the application process, they’ll continue to help you face challenges throughout college and throughout life. They also might give you clues about what kinds of professions might be a good fit for you.
Lean on your support system
Nobody makes it through this process alone, and the more you reach out for help, the more your confidence may grow. Kimberly Ortiz, an admissions counselor at Caltech, remembers learning this lesson.
“As a first-generation to college student, the idea of going to college was scary,” she says. “I did not know where to start. However, as I navigated the admissions college process, I began to feel empowered to ask for help.”
What advice does she give students?
“I know it might be intimidating to ask for help, but this is my number one piece of advice,” she says. “Reach out to friends, neighbors, community organizations, and/or school resources. You are not alone in this process!”
By creating a Scoir account, you’re ensuring that you’re walking through this process with guidance along the way. Stay tuned to your email inbox for more advice and tangible steps you can take to start early and stress less on your path to college.
