It’s easy to feel like all your cylinders are firing at once when you’re in high school. There’s a lot going on in terms of academics, extracurricular activities, family, starting your college search and, of course, your social life. Even the kids who look like they’ve got everything under control may be incredibly anxious—they just hide it well.
Know what resources you have available to help you.
“Use your teachers, parents, coaches, friends and siblings as support,” suggests John Korntheuer, director of freshman admission for Concordia University Chicago. “These people care about you and want to see you succeed. However, they may not always be on the lookout for signs that you are becoming overwhelmed, so if you need help, ask somebody.”
Guidance counselors, pastors and private therapists can also help as you navigate through temptations, pressures and expectations.
Build stress relief into your schedule.
“From personal experience, I know that sophomores in high school are being pulled by many interests, and pressure is always present,” says Robert Bennett, senior associate director of admissions at Clemson University (SC). “Add to that the fact that there are physical changes taking place that [happen] at a different pace than their friends. Being a teenager and looking to the future is very challenging, but just looking to tomorrow is challenging enough.”
Bennett suggests that students find some stress relief—whether from exercise, computer games, music or getting lost in a book for pleasure—and that they build it into their schedule.
Think of your college search as a step toward your next adventure, not as a chore.
Sure, the college search process can be overwhelming, the application process can be tedious and intimidating, and sorting through financial aid information can be confusing. But look at it this way: This is probably the first big decision that’s entirely yours.
Granted, schools have the final say in whether you’re admitted, but ultimately, you alone are choosing your future.
“Let your college search be a consideration of all the wonderful possibilities where you may continue on life’s next journey,” says Bennett of Clemson.
Don’t compare yourself to your peers.
University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) Associate Director of Admissions Lauren Scott reminds students that they are individuals. After all, friends who don’t have a job or aren’t involved in sports, volunteering or other extracurricular activities are going to have more time to spend on their college search.
“Try to avoid comparing yourself with the progress your peers might be making in their academics or college search,” she says. “Move through the process at a pace that is comfortable for you and your family. Create a family calendar, and identify certain benchmarks you might want to accomplish each month or quarter. This might include taking one college tour, taking an online practice test for the SAT or ACT, or even discussing college costs.”
Choose the right amount of extracurricular activities.
Scott says that her institution is looking for students who “show enthusiasm, commitment and leadership in their activities,” not just busyness.
“Students should avoid getting involved in activities on a superficial level only to build a résumé,” warns Scott. “To avoid overcommitting, students should take the time to identify those activities now and be prepared to stick with them until graduation.”
Discover what makes you truly happy—volunteer work, playing lacrosse, competing in debates—and then figure out what you can comfortably fit into your schedule.
Talk about your hopes, fears and concerns with your family.
Your parents may not realize that you’re feeling overwhelmed. Your older brother may not realize he’s putting too much pressure on you to apply to his alma mater. Your grandmother may not recognize that she’s hinting a little too much that she wants you to attend a school close to home. It’s up to you to speak up!
“Keep communication open—and often—with your parents or guardians,” advises Bennett of Clemson. “The only way students can find out what is realistic for themselves and their families is by discussing it. Remember that soon you will begin another chapter in your life, which means they begin another chapter in theirs, too.”
Avoid procrastinating.
Korntheuer of Concordia warns that addressing tasks—such as researching and applying to colleges—can cause more anxiety if left until the last minute.
“Like any big project—be it a big homework assignment, learning a new skill or tackling any challenge—the more you procrastinate, the greater the stress will become,” he says.
Scott of UNCW agrees: “Researching colleges takes time. Sophomores should start to think about it and plan now. To avoid being overwhelmed, students should be organized in their approach. An unhurried and well-thought-out attitude to the college search will allow students to make a more informed and confident college choice when senior year comes.”
In addition to their own research, Scott advises sophomores to seek a wide range of opinions from people whom they respect. “The best place to start is by recognizing the difference between what makes a college popular and what makes it an excellent fit for them,” she says. “From there, choose one school a month to focus your research.”
As a bonus incentive not to procrastinate, it’s possible that the sooner you get started on your quest for a good-fitting school, the more campuses you’ll be able to visit.
Be open to change because there’s going to be a lot of it!
Korntheuer says that although any year of high school can be stressful, sophomore year is really a transition time.
“Sophomore classes are different, [often] harder,” he says. “Sometimes students transition into new groups of friends. You might dedicate more time to extracurricular activities, a part-time job or driver’s ed. When you start thinking about adding all the different aspects of a college search on top of all that—location, size, major, cost, distance from home—it can be overwhelming. Be aware that new experiences and challenges may be coming your way. Fewer surprises hopefully means less stress.”
Celebrate milestones and victories along the way.
Did you get a great score on the PSAT? Get accepted into National Honor Society? Make the varsity soccer team? Pat yourself on the back!
“As you make progress, take time to recognize what you have achieved,” says Korntheuer of Concordia. “This will energize you as you work toward your ultimate goal.”
Celebrate milestones and victories along the way.
Did you get a great score on the PSAT? Get accepted into National Honor Society? Make the varsity soccer team? Pat yourself on the back!
“As you make progress, take time to recognize what you have achieved,” says Korntheuer of Concordia. “This will energize you as you work toward your ultimate goal.”
Wendy Burt-Thomas is the editor of My College Guide.
