College Decisions
By Sarah Dino, APC
It’s that time of year again: yep, college decisions! For many high school seniors, this season is bittersweet. It’s filled with “lasts,” but also the excitement and hope of a future transition into college. It’s also a time with higher rates of anxiety. In 2018, the Journal of College Admissions found that 61% of high school seniors felt increased levels of anxiety, specifically regarding college decisions. While there are many factors that play into this increased level of anxiety, there are 3 major contributors.
1. Family Expectations and Pressure: While it may not be explicitly stated, more often than not students report experiencing pressure from family members to get into the “best” college, especially with today’s competitive academic standards. As a parent myself I understand wanting the best for our children. However, what may be best for them, may not be the big state school with an incredible football team (Go Dawgs) that everyone knows, it may be the small liberal arts college with a great art program. Ultimately recognizing that what’s “best” will look different for every student.
2. Financial Concerns: In case you didn’t know, college is ridiculously expensive!! And students know this too. Financials are often a major contributor to college decisions and when students are unsure of or in need of financial aid this can drastically increase anxiety.
3. FOMO: We’ve all heard of FOMO or the Fear of Missing Out. In regards to college decisions, FOMO can mean a fear of missing out on “better” opportunities, this fear can drastically increase anxiety as well.
So what do we do about it? There are many things that parents, teachers and peers can do to help alleviate some of the anxiety and pressure that comes with college decisions.
1. I think the thing that can have the most impact on a student’s anxiety is normalizing the experience. Most likely you also experienced increased anxiety regarding college decisions - share that with the students in your life!
2) Focusing on personal fit rather than prestige is often a way to alleviate pressure and reduce anxiety. Encouraging your students to find a school environment that will fit their needs and allow them to be the best student is one of the biggest factors in having a great college experience.
3) Lastly, avoid comparison to peers, siblings, and our own college decisions experience. Comparison is often the thief of joy, let your students experience be their own experience!
While college decisions are often stressful and filled with anxiety, it is also a time for celebration! I encourage you to allow space for all your student’s feelings, but especially focusing on the joy that comes with big life transitions and celebrations. And remember, whatever college they end up at, college is really a time of opportunity and new beginnings.
