March is the season when most regular decision students hear back from colleges, and it is often when seniors feel the most stress due to their fear of college decisions.
Students’ mental health is often dictated by their academic worth and the colleges they get into are the fruit of all of their labor and hard work. As college admission becomes increasingly more competitive, students do not know if their stats and merit are good enough for the colleges they want to get into.
“There is anxiety, and also, the next four years of your life are in the hands of one email,” said Eesha Bellad (12).
The school a student gets into can influence their whole life as there are different job opportunities, networking, and education that are available in different schools. Some students will also have to move away to another state or country to get a higher education. The anticipation of emails that could alter their lives is stacked on top of the academic classes Seniors are still taking as they watch other peers making their decisions.
“My mental health was absolutely horrible. I watched as all of my friends got into their colleges while I was just watching. I basically studied myself to death because I felt I wasted a lot of time in high school, and I thought studying would make me feel better, but it was all too late,” said a graduate senior who is a freshman in college.
During college decision season, many students began comparing themselves to their peers, thereby worsening their anxiety and mental health. The time gaps between each decision and the unknowingness of when college decisions come out build up stress.
It is important for teachers and parents to be aware that during this time, students need extra support and help for their mental health.
Some ways students can improve their mental health are to keep a positive mindset and to allow themselves to take breaks from hectic schedules. At school, students can talk to their guidance counselor about their state of mind and challenges they might face at school or about their decisions. Students can receive advice from counselors to adopt healthy coping mechanisms to handle stress and anxiety. Incorporating activities such as daily workouts, mindfulness practices, and establishing a balanced lifestyle can greatly impact one’s mental wellness. Many schools have a mental health center available that they can reach out to as well.
“I was intimidated but I am satisfied with the decisions that have come out so far,” said Eesha.
College decision season can also be a rewarding season as students begin to see their efforts being paid off. This season not only signals a new beginning but also a long-deserved break during summer.
Students should keep in mind to always have a positive mindset and remind themselves that their self-worth is not dependent on college decisions, as it is easy to forget when anxiety is high.
