 Are
You Stressed Out?
A survey of U.S. students by The Princeton Review affirmed what hundreds
of you are tell us:
High School Students are Stressed Out over
the College Admissions Process!
Princeton Review found that 28 percent of students worried the most
about not being able to get into their first choice. The survey also
found that 64 percent of participants felt "very high'' or "high''
levels of stress over the college application process.
The toughest part of the process is taking standardized tests, said
35 percent of the survey participants. About 24 percent said deciding
which college to attend was stressful and 20 percent chose writing college
essays as the stress that put them over the edge.
We tell you this not to make you more anxious, but to assure you that
you are not alone. We also tell you this to remind you that you CAN
do something about that nagging feeling of stress each time you hear
the word “college.”
First of all, we encourage you to pick up a copy of our new book, Don't
Worry, You'll Get In. Take action on the ideas and tips presented
and stress will immediately lessen because you have a plan. Then, get
a handle on your own stress level so you can better focus on the admissions
plan you create with us in the book. Got it? Okay! Now onto checking
out your stress with our College Admissions Stress Test:
College Admissions
Stress Test
- When I’m in the car and
a stoplight turns red, I become furious.
If yes: Take a deep breath right now! A big signal that you’re
feeling waaaay too much stress is becoming irritated over little
things. "If the smaller situations in life start to bother
you more than normal, it's time to take a look," says Tim
O'Brien, director of the Institute for Stress Management. Acknowledge
the things you can’t control and let them go!
- I've forgotten my homework,
a text book, or my keys at least twice this month.
If yes: You’re exhibiting a key sign of stress, forgetfulness.
Get a grip on your daily rhythm and make sure you pay attention
if you are becoming more forgetful.
- I used to play an occasional
game of Solitaire on the computer or mindless video games but
lately it’s like an hour or more a day.
If yes: Red flags are waving all over the place. Watch for changes
in your habits, and listen to what those around you are saying.
Vegging out is fine every now and then – even important
to relax -- but procrastinating and getting lost online each
and every day is a symptom of stress.
- My friends are commenting on
my bad moods.
If yes: Listen to what people around you are saying. Your reactions
indicate how you are feeling. When you are feeling anxious you
might strike out at those you care about the most.
- There is no way I can do everything
I need to do in the hours of the day.
If yes: Look at all the stuff you are trying to squeeze in,
and see how you can cut back. Make a list of a typical day and
notice if you might use your time better or make adjustments
so you can end the day with a feeling of completion rather than
frustration which only leads to…you got it…more
stress. Take a stand against over scheduling – Just say
NO.
- I've been sick a lot lately.
If yes: Listen to your body. Stress compromises your immune
system and forces you to slow down…because you get sick.
Be sure you're eating well, cut out the soda and huge amounts
of sugar, and please, please, please get a good night's sleep.
- I had a test in (fill in your
most difficult subject) and felt as if I’d die if I didn’t
get an “A.”
If yes: Feeling a little stress about a test that's coming up
can motivate you to plan well and study hard. But stressing
out too much over the test can make it hard to concentrate on
the material you need to learn. Don't try to be perfect - no
one is. Ask for help when you need it and go easy when you don’t
meet your own expectations.
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WHAT DO YOU SAY?
Read Don’t
Worry, You’ll Get In – let us know if we’ve helped.
Have any tips you’d like to share with us? Any favorite tips from
the book? Any anecdotes you’d like to share?
Drop us a line and we will come
up with a way to share reader comments and tips in the coming months
on this site. We won’t use real names so don’t be shy!
Thanks for sharing your stress tips and stories with us and check back
to see what others have to say.
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