College application season can feel like a whirlwind of deadlines, essays, and endless decisions. As a current high school senior myself, I have experienced this incredibly eventful era firsthand. It’s constantly easy to feel like the weight of your future is pressing down on you, and let’s be honest, that’s a lot to handle!

But here’s the thing: you don’t have to let the stress take over. Staying calm and focused can not only help you manage the process but also give you the energy and clarity to do your best work.

After reflecting on my journey of writing numerous essays, here are 5 of the best tips that have immensely helped me to help you stay grounded and tackle the college app season with confidence!

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1. Make Meditation Your Secret Weapon

You’ve probably heard about meditation before, but have you actually tried it? Taking just 10 minutes a day to breathe deeply and clear your mind (or even taking a quick little nap) can work wonders for stress. It’s like hitting the reset button on your brain.

Start simple:

• Find a quiet spot (your room, a cozy corner, or even your backyard with a yoga mat).
• Close your eyes and take slow, deep breaths.
• Focus on your breathing or try a guided meditation app like Calm or Headspace.

Meditation helps lower your stress hormone levels and gives you a mental break from all the chaos. It’s a simple, no-cost way to feel more centered—and trust me, you’ll notice the difference in your mood and focus. Also, if sitting still feels impossible, try “walking meditation.” Go for a slow, mindful walk, and pay attention to every step you take. It’s just as calming, and you’ll get some fresh air and Vitamin D, too.

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2. Journal It Out

My brain was (and honestly, still is) racing with thoughts like What if I don’t get in? or What if my entire career is ruined by college decisions?: journaling can be a game-changer. Think of it as a way to clear mental clutter and organize your thoughts.

• Dedicate 5–10 minutes a day to writing. It doesn’t have to be perfect—this is just for you.
• Write about your worries, your goals, or even things you’re grateful for.
• Feeling overwhelmed? Make a to-do list. Breaking things down into smaller tasks can make them feel less daunting.

Journaling is more about gaining perspective than simply venting. When you see your thoughts on paper, they often feel more manageable. Plus, it’s a great way to track your progress and remind yourself of your strengths.

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3. Stay Active Even When You’re Busy

I know, I know—who has time for exercise during college application season? But hear me out: regular movement is one of the best stress-busters out there. You don’t need to hit the gym for an hour; even 15–20 minutes of activity can make a huge difference.

For me, personally, I definitely relied a lot on dance during these couple of months. It truly acted like an emotional outlet, where I was able to leave the negative thoughts outside and feel like myself.

Ideas to get moving:

• Dance it out in your room (bonus points for creating a playlist of your favorite feel-good songs).
• Go for a quick jog or bike ride around your neighborhood.
• Try a yoga video on YouTube to stretch out and relax.

Exercise releases endorphins—your body’s natural “happy chemicals.” Plus, it gives you a much-needed break from staring at a screen or stressing over essay drafts. A fun idea you can try is to combine exercise with study breaks. For example, do 10 jumping jacks or stretch after completing a section of your application. It’s a win-win!

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4. Plan, Don’t Panic

A lot of stress during this season comes from feeling like there’s too much to do and not enough time. That’s where planning comes in. A good plan can turn chaos into calm.

Here’s how to get organized:

1. Create a Timeline: Write down all your deadlines, then work backward to figure out when you need to complete each step (like writing essays or asking for recommendation letters).
2. Use a Planner or App: Tools like Google Calendar, Notion, or even a simple notebook can help you stay on track.
3. Break It Down: Instead of thinking, I need to finish my whole application, and focus on smaller tasks like Research one college today or Edit one paragraph.

When you plan ahead, you’re less likely to feel overwhelmed by last-minute crunches. From my experience, definitely research your colleges ahead of time. Do not wait until the last minute!

This step is crucial to see if you even want to apply or go to that specific college, and it helped me see which colleges I truly wanted to attend/would fit me the best. Plus, checking things off your list is super satisfying—it’s proof you’re making progress!

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5. Lean on Your Support System

You don’t have to go through this alone. Whether it’s friends, family, teachers, or even a guidance counselor, your support system is there to help you!

Ways to connect:

• Talk It Out: Share your feelings with someone you trust. Sometimes, just saying things out loud can help you feel better.
• Collaborate with Friends: Form a study group or essay review circle. You can motivate each other and share tips.
• Ask for Help: Don’t hesitate to reach out to teachers or counselors if you’re stuck or need advice. That’s what they’re there for!

It’s okay to feel stressed—it means you care about your future. But remember, you’re not alone, and leaning on others can make the journey feel less daunting. And once the college app season is over, remember to thank your support system.

I personally could not have done it at all without my family, friends, teachers, and especially counselors. Sending a little “thank you” note (it’s best if it’s handwritten!) can go a long way, and show some appreciation to those who have been there for you!

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Conclusion

College application season is intense, no doubt about it. But with the right tools and mindset, you can manage the stress and even find moments of joy in the process! It’s easy to focus only on what’s left to do but take a moment to acknowledge what you’ve already accomplished.

Finished an essay? High-five yourself! Submitted your first application? Do a little happy dance! After submitting my first Common App application, pressing the “Celebrate” button that brought confetti all over my screen made me super happy. But truly, celebrating small wins keeps you motivated and reminds you of how far you’ve come.

Most importantly, remember that this is just one chapter in your journey. Whether you get into your dream school or take a different path, what matters most is that you’re putting in the effort and staying true to yourself. And it’s helpful to constantly remind yourself that what’s meant to happen, will happen, and you will end up in a place best for you.

You’ve got this. Now take a deep breath, and mentally prepare yourself for August—you’re going to crush it! (And I will be rooting for each of you! :))