There are many important steps to applying for college. Getting into the college or university of your choice can be a complex process. This is especially true when you are applying to numerous schools. As a result, you may at times feel overwhelmed and stressed by the process as a whole. This is why it is extremely important to keep your focus.
When you get stressed out, you stop thinking clearly. The end result could be that you begin making mistakes. Whether its studying for your SAT, trying to ace as many classes as possible, or filling out your college applications, you need to keep your stress levels at a minimum. Let’s take a look at a few of the ways that you can keep your stress levels low and increase your chances of getting into the college of your choice in the process.
#1 Realize that the World Will Not End
One basic step that you can take to keep your stress levels low is to realize that it is not the end of the world if you don’t get into your “top pick.” Lots of pressure can be put on your shoulders, as older people just assume that you can “take it.” Yet, if you feel totally stressed out it may impact your performance. Now this isn’t an excuse to fail or not try, but you should keep in mind that life will go on even if you get into your fifth choice instead of your first college of choice. No matter how others may act the world will not end, and you will not be destined to a future of poverty and failure.
#2 Walk Away and Take a Break
If all you do is study and deal with SAT preparation, you may actually be increasing your odds of failure both in the short term and in the long term. Some students may ace the SAT, but they end up so exhausted and overwhelmed that they avoid studying all freshmen year. This route isn’t a good plan for long term success!
#3 Short Breaks, Meditation and Stress Reduction
Stress can actually kill you. Prolonged exposure to stress hormones, such as cortisol, can result in a decrease in the strength of your immune system. If your immune system is weakened, your odds of getting sick, of course, go up. If you’re sick, you won’t be studying for your classes or the SAT. Part of staying healthy is keeping your immune system strong.
Meditation is a relaxation technique that serves to reduce stress hormone levels. Recent medical studies have actually shown that meditation has a variety of medical benefits including the reduction of stress. So if you are feeling upset and anxious, meditation stands as a great way to deal with this stress.
#4 Find a College Admissions Counselor
Believe it or not, utilizing a College Admissions Counselor can take a real load off your mind. Why run around worried about what you’re forgetting, or what opportunities you are missing? Start smart with a college admissions counselor who can sit down with you and your family to figure out your wants and needs and outline a plan for you to follow. Why go it alone, when you can have a partner?
Remember that any edge you can give yourself is one you should take. However, at the same time, you should never allow yourself to become so stressed out and worried about what colleges you get into that you become miserable.









