For high school seniors, waiting for college acceptance letters feels like standing on the edge of a cliff– terrifying, overwhelming, and simply thought-consuming. High school seniors face significant stress as they wait for college acceptance letters, and for many students, this marks the culmination of years of hard work and rigorous study. Philip Ghostine, a senior juggling five Advanced Placement classes and multiple honor societies, expressed the challenges of this time.
“Balancing all my AP classes and the college application process is difficult to manage sometimes,” said Ghostine (12).
The pressure to prepare for college begins long before acceptance letters arrive. Students navigate SATs, resume building, extracurricular activities, and demanding coursework. This pressure can stem from personal ambition or expectations set by family and peers. Many students grapple with fears of rejection, believing it may reflect their worth or intelligence.
It’s important to step back and remember one key truth: no one has the same path. As Theodore Roosevelt famously said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” College rejections are normal and do not determine future success.
In response to the stress, students increasingly consider alternative paths such as gap years, community colleges, and transfer options. What matters most is not the initial choice but how students embrace their experiences. Notably, many successful individuals did not attend their first-choice universities, underscoring that rejection is not the end.
For those feeling overwhelmed, seniors have adopted various strategies to cope.
Pomodoro Technique
One popular method is the Pomodoro Technique, which encourages focused work periods followed by short breaks. However, for some, even checking college application portals can add to the stress. Senior Samantha Drumgoole chooses to avoid checking her portal to manage anxiety.
“When they’re almost to the end, and you’re almost getting your decision, and it says ‘under review,’ it’s stressful. So I just stopped looking at them until the day it comes out.”
Stay Away from Social Media
With the influence of social media, where acceptance announcements and celebrations flood Instagram feeds it’s easy to spiral into comparison and self-doubt. Senior Marco Calderoni believes social media is a double-edged sword during this intense time.
“Social media helps, but it can also make things worse,” said Calderoni. “Some people give great advice, but seeing acceptance posts can be stressful.”
Stepping away from social media can help improve one’s mental state. Putting your phone down and stepping outside, even briefly, can calm you down and reset your nervous system.
Prioritize Yourself
While many assume self-care means face masks and manicures, it can be as simple as curling up with a warm blanket, taking a hot shower, or listening to your favorite music. The stress of college acceptance season is undeniable but also temporary, so self-care should still be a priority.
After four years of endless hours of studying and hard work, college acceptance is the final stage of high school, but remember, this short-lived pressure will form a beautiful class of diamonds.
