The college admissions process can be overwhelming, and it’s normal for parents and students to be stressed. Here are some key ways to help with mental health and maintain healthy relationships in your family as you work toward applying to college:
- Consider hiring an advisor. (We know some great ones!) Seriously… Having someone to guide you through the process, to give you a roadmap and answer questions… It can be invaluable.
- Start planning early. If you’re a senior, there’s still time – but starting today (if you haven’t already!) is best. If you’re a freshman, sophomore, or junior… Do yourself a favor and start now. Finish reading this article and either hire your advisor or get going on creating your road-map. You’ll thank yourself later! And speaking of roadmaps…
- Create a road-map! The application process can be lengthy, winding, confusing, full of unexpected stops, and other travel-related metaphors. Your first step in the process should always be developing a plan and a timeline – your road-map! You can use the monthly “Consider This” section of our newsletter as a guide, but there are plenty of other online resources that can help you lay out your plan as well.
- Talk about money, sooner rather than later. Determine and discuss with your family what college might cost and what you can afford. This is a big piece of the puzzle, and knowing early what schools are out of the question for you eliminates a lot of stress. (That said… don’t forget to consider loans and scholarships as you have the “money talk”, and use a free net price college costs calculator to factor in every bit of expense and need.)
- Pace yourself. Yes, start early! But also pace yourself… using that roadmap you’ve created! Your timeline should have approachable, realistic goals included that will help you set a stress-reducing cadence for your application journey.
- Do your research. When you’re armed with information, you are empowered. If you don’t use an advisor, this is extra-important. The landscape of college admissions has changed a lot and continues to evolve: learning what it takes to complete an application and to have a strong or competitive application will put you in the driver’s seat and reduce stress.
- Go out for ice cream. Or take a walk, or sit and watch the sunrise… Do something relaxing and neutral or enjoyable if things get tense or overwhelming. The process of applying to college doesn’t have to be a heated or weighted one, and remembering to keep it cool can make a big difference.