How to Deal with College Application Stress: A Quick Guide

Picture this: You’re sitting in AP English Lit class during September of your senior year. You lean over to ask a friend where they’re applying to college. Expecting to hear a casual, “I don’t know” or “I’ll worry about that later, ” you’re stunned to learn they’ve already applied to twelve schools and have been accepted to the University of Iowa. They go back to reading while you sit in silence, overwhelmed by the realization of how behind you feel.

So—who would you rather be? The confident student who’s already finished the bulk of the process and can enjoy their final year of high school? Or the mystified friend who hasn’t even begun to think about college until after graduation? Both students can have a happy ending, but one of those journeys will definitely involve less stress.

In this blog, you’ll learn from a college admissions consultant about three major areas to consider during the application process—along with a few quick tips—to help reduce the stress of applying to college.

How to Deal with College Application Stress

The best way to deal with application stress is to avoid it all together. This means getting ahead on three key things:

1. Know Your Major (Or At Least a Direction)

Having a general idea of what you might want to study can really help narrow your college list and focus your application. Don’t worry if you’re not 100% sure what career you want—many college students change their minds several times. That said, take an active approach. Talk to your school counselor, college admissions consultant, or career specialist, and try a few career assessments to help identify your interests. Even a loose direction gives you something to build from. And if you're still unsure, consider applying to larger schools. Bigger universities tend to offer more majors and flexibility, so if you do change your mind, chances are your new major will be offered, and you won’t have to start over at a new school.

2. Think Realistically About Location

It can be exciting to dream about going across the country for college—new scenery, new people, freedom from your parents. However, when you realize every trip home from school means a $600 plane ticket, reality starts to set in. With that in mind, a good approach is to focus on one or two regions of the country. Start with your current area, then maybe add a region where you have family or a particular interest. Keeping your college list geographically focused helps reduce stress for you and your family. Many students initially love the idea of moving far away for college, only to later realize that they (and their parents) prefer to be closer to home. And that’s okay—just make sure you think through the logistics ahead of time.

3. Have the Cost Conversation Early

Due to the substantial (and rising!) price tag for a college education, cost is often the most stressful part of the college application process. Tuition, housing, and books add up fast, and while financial aid and scholarships can help, it’s smart to start your college search with a realistic understanding of what your family can afford. I’ve seen students get into their dream schools, only to turn them down because of the cost. One former student had to give up a prestigious private college and attend her second-choice public university because the price was just too high. Have the conversation early to understand your family’s budget, then focus your applications on schools within your price range.

Quick Tips to Deal with Application Stress

• Create a college application timeline: Schedule out tasks to avoid overwhelming yourself with too much work all at once.
• Use a checklist or spreadsheet: Keep track of deadlines, recommendations, essays, and other application tasks.
• Set weekly goals: Break the work into smaller pieces to stay motivated.
• Talk to someone: Don’t keep the stress to yourself—counselors, teachers, and college admissions consultants are there to help.
• Avoid comparisons: Everyone’s college journey is different. Focus on yourself.
• Take care of yourself: Eat, sleep, and rest—you can’t put together your best application unless you’re in your best frame of mind.

If you can identify a potential major, narrow your location preferences, and have an honest conversation about cost, you’ll be ahead of the game. Planning ahead won’t just make your applications stronger—it’ll help you enjoy senior year without unnecessary anxiety. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, know that you don’t have to do this alone. Reach out to your school counselor or private college advisor to create a plan that works for you.