How do I stop worrying about college decisions?

Facing the uncertainty of college decisions can feel agonizing, and students should not do it alone. Getting together with friends, mentors, and close family members can help keep students' spirits up and also provide a safe space to share their feelings and discuss things that may be triggering their anxiety.

How do I stop stressing about college decisions?

Talk to friends and family

Talking to others is a good way to think clearly about what you want out of your college experience. Friends and family can help you talk through how you're feeling. It also helps frame your perspective in a way that makes it easier to make decisions.

How do I stop panicking about college?

How do I stop thinking about college?

At what age should I start worrying about college?

Some experts recommend starting as early as sixth grade. We have found that starting to think about and to prepare for college should ideally start during the summer before your high school freshman year, but getting help later can still be of benefit to you.

watch this if you're stressed about college apps

How do you know if you shouldn't go to college?

Is 17 too early for college?

No. Depending on your state's laws about when you can start school (age cut-offs and birth dates) and skipping grades, it's quite possible to be a college Freshman at 17.

Why am I so anxious about college?

Overnight, college students separate from their traditional support system of family and friends. They also face many new challenges, such as living with roommates, managing heavy workloads, and developing an independent identity. It's no surprise that anxiety often spikes during college.

Why do I get anxious thinking about college?

Academic pressure, social expectations, financial insecurity, and uncertainty about your future can lead to critical self-thoughts. A college student overly critical of their success may feel they aren't good enough to be in college. These negative and critical self-thoughts can bring on anxiety.

Why are college decisions so hard?

The precipitous drop in admit rates–and the resulting intensification of competition among applicants–can manifest in predictable and measurable ways. Average admitted-student SAT and ACT scores, for example, have risen along with selectivity, making an already stressful process feel all the more arduous.

Is it normal to be worried about college?

It is perfectly normal to be worried or nervous about heading to college! It is a big transition from high school to college for all young adults and especially for neurodivergent young adults. Feeling anxious before freshman year is truly a universal experience.

What does college anxiety look like?

Other warning signs are prolonged feelings of sadness or despair, excessive anxiety or panic, isolation or withdrawal from typical daily activities, thoughts of self-harm or suicide, giving away possessions, changes in personal hygiene, and excessive use of alcohol or other drugs, which are often used by students ...

How do I distract myself from college decisions?

Pick up a new hobby

One of the best ways to distract yourself from overthinking is to dive into new hobby. Since the hobby would be new, you'd more than likely be super excited about it and have a lot to learn. You simply wouldn't have the time to overthink your college decision letters. Start a blog.

What medication is used for college anxiety?

Medication for College Anxiety

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs are a popular choice, because they're generally well tolerated and considered more effective than other options.

How many students have anxiety because of college?

Data Summary. In 2022, over three-quarters of college students (77%) experienced moderate to serious psychological distress. 35% of students were diagnosed with anxiety; 27% had depression.

How can I calm my anxiety before college?

Being around people that you care about and who make you feel comfortable can help decrease stress. Make an effort to reach out and connect with loved ones daily. Social media can be a great way to keep up-to-date with friends and family members, but set limits to make sure it doesn't affect your mental health.

Is 23 a good age to finish college?

Of course it is not too old! I graduated from Harvard at 23, and had many classmates who were far older than I. It is not about the destination, it's about the journey, as they say. Age is entirely irrelevant.

Is graduating at 17 normal?

In the United States, yes, that's the usual age. Of course, there are outliers—those who skip a grade or two and graduate earlier than that, and those who repeat a grade or two and graduate later.

How old is too late for college?

The age of 25 is not too late to start college, as it is never too late to start college. Many of the most successful college students are older learners and working professionals. Oftentimes, these older college students bring several advantages to the classroom.

Is it better to go to college or not in life?

In general, going to college can increase your earning potential, employment prospects, job benefits and professional network. You can also learn about different careers, gain skills and learn independence.

How many people don't regret going to college?

Despite wide differences in levels of regret when it comes to majors, the vast majority of respondents were glad they went to school. Only 9% of those who attended a public institution wish they had not gone to college, the Federal Reserve survey found.

What happens if you never go to college?

For those who forgo college, it usually means lower lifetime earnings — 75 percent less compared with those who get bachelor's degrees, according to Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce. And when the economy sours, those without degrees are more likely to lose jobs.

How do you mentally prepare for college decisions?

How do you keep your sanity in college?

What is the leading cause of depression in college students?

For most students, college is their first experience living away from home. Moving out, adjusting to a new environment, and forging new social connections can contribute to stress that can play a part in causing depression, Dr. Erickson-Schroth says. Students are also dealing with a lot of pressure to perform well.