Skip to content
  • Solutions
    Our Services
    Admissions Committee Review
    BS/MD & Pre-Med Admissions
    Business School Admissions
    College Prep for Neurodiverse Students
    Computer Science & Engineering
    Essay Advising and Review
    Gap Year Admissions
    Middle School College Prep
    Test Prep
    ACT Test Prep
    SAT Test Prep
    Transfer Admissions
  • About Us
    Our Story
    Why Us
    Success Stories
    Contact Us
  • Programs
    AI Scholar Program
    Research Scholar Program
    Startup Internship Program
    Passion Project Program
  • Resources
    Blog
    Webinars
    Empowerly Score®
  • For Organizations
    Partnerships & Affiliates
    Empowerly for Employers

Sign In

Free Consultation
Book a Free Consultation

Login

  • Blog > Applications, Pre-Application

Managing It All

Picture of Madeleine Karydes

Madeleine Karydes

  • October 21, 2021

It’s easy to feel exhausted by the college admissions process, but there are practical steps you can take to manage that stress and stay ahead of your regular schoolwork. Avoiding burnout while achieving your goals amid the whirlwind of college admissions and academic demands is challenging, but it’s also part of the process and helps you mature as a student.

Be a Goal-Getter

In previous posts, we’ve talked about being SMART when creating goals, and those same principles apply here too. SMART is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely. To break that down further, you want goals that are:   

  • Specific. What exactly do you want to achieve? 
  • Measurable. Setting clear benchmarks for what achieving those goals looks like.    
  • Achievable. Setting realistic goals is important so that you don’t feel like you’re failing and lose motivation.
  • Relevant. Your goals should align with your values and long-term objectives. 
  • Timely. Committing to completing these goals within a specific time frame to prevent procrastination.

These same ideas apply to managing stress, especially when college admissions applications and essays begin.

For example, set SMART goals for completing your college application essay, first by being specific in choosing the prompt you want to answer. Next, make a measurable plan. If the essay is between 250-650 words, start with an outline — then write each section one at a time so you can clearly track your progress. Approach the essay in the most achievable way by ensuring the topic is something you feel confident writing about. Lastly, plan for a timely process. Look at your overall schedule and academic workload so you can block out multiple windows to write and revise your essay.

Setting SMART goals is a practical way to manage stress. In the moment, though, when stress and anxiety are at their peaks, it can be hard to have the perspective to step back and set goals. So it’s useful to learn some mindfulness exercises to put into practice when needed.

Mindfulness Matters

That can involve meditating, stretching a walk around the block, a quick jog, or even a short nap. After taking a mindfulness break, it can be easier to tackle your to-do list.

Meditation, in particular, is proven to be an effective way to take a pause and reset your brain. It can help with stress management and mood regulation. There are many ways to meditate and you may have tried some in the past. You can start by first closing your eyes and taking a deep, slow breath. Inhale. Pause. Exhale. Repeat this 10 times. Take a few quiet minutes — and set a timer if you’re feeling restless — to focus on nothing other than listening to your breath. If thoughts about academic work, errands, chores, or social drama pop into your head, gently push them away. Imagine a cloudless blue sky. And imagine your thoughts to be clouds, drifting through the air. As you notice them, try to slowly blow them away with each exhale. 

At first, it may be difficult to keep your mind from wandering and don’t be hard on yourself if you feel like it’s not working. Over time, if you keep doing it, it will probably help you — even if the improvements are very slight. This exercise is a great way to focus yourself when you’re feeling the burden of college applications. 

Looking for More?

In conclusion, managing the stress of college is crucial for students to maintain their well-being, academic performance, and overall college experience. By implementing effective stress management strategies, students can navigate the challenges and pressures of college life more effectively.

First and foremost, prioritizing self-care is essential. This includes maintaining a healthy lifestyle by engaging in regular physical activity, eating nutritious meals, and getting sufficient sleep. Taking breaks and incorporating relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or mindfulness can help reduce stress levels and promote mental well-being.

Time management is another key aspect of stress management in college. Creating a schedule or to-do list can help students stay organized, prioritize tasks, and avoid last-minute cramming or procrastination. Breaking down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps can also make them less overwhelming. Additionally, it’s important to set realistic goals and avoid overcommitting to extracurricular activities or social obligations.

Building a support network is invaluable for managing college stress. Connecting with friends, family, or classmates who can offer understanding, empathy, and encouragement can provide a sense of community and reduce feelings of isolation. Taking advantage of counseling services or support groups provided by the college can also be beneficial for addressing specific stressors or mental health concerns.

It’s important to remember that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but a proactive step towards managing stress. Colleges often have resources such as counseling centers or wellness programs that can provide guidance and support. Utilizing these services can help students develop effective coping mechanisms, learn stress management techniques, and navigate any emotional challenges they may face.

Lastly, maintaining a balanced perspective and practicing self-compassion is essential. It’s important to recognize that everyone experiences stress in college, and it’s normal to feel overwhelmed at times. Being kind to oneself, celebrating small achievements, and learning to accept imperfections can help alleviate unnecessary self-imposed pressure.

In conclusion, managing college stress requires a multifaceted approach that combines self-care, effective time management, building a support network, seeking help when needed, and maintaining a balanced perspective. By implementing these strategies, students can cultivate resilience, optimize their well-being, and make the most of their college experience.

For more information about SMART goals, read this article by Empowerly team member, Madeleine. And for tips on stress management, we recommend reviewing these mindfulness exercises. 

To learn more about preparing for college, including stress management, connect with an Empowerly team member. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to helping students and families prepare for academics after high school and can help support you too. Reach out to connect with an Empowerly team member today.

Book A Free Consultation
Share this post
College Internships
Picture of Madeleine Karydes

Madeleine Karydes

Related articles

Find the latest college admissions news, tips, resources and more.

2025 Common App Changes You Should Know

Get ready! We’re breaking down everything you need to know about the Common Application changes and key updates for the 2025 cycle.

What Makes Empowerly Counselors Different

Ever wondered what exactly makes an Empowerly counselor different from other teachers? Let’s go behind the scenes, where the magic happens.

UC Irvine: Behind-the-Scenes Admissions Statistics

Dive into UC Irvine's admissions statistics, acceptance rates, and key data. Together, we’ll discover what it takes to get into UCI.

Empowerly is a member of:

Menu

  • Services
  • Success Stories
  • Careers
  • Become a Counselor
  • Refer a Friend
  • Book a Consult

Contact Us

  • enrollment@empowerly.com
  • 800 491 6920
  • empowerly.com

Follow Us

  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
Subscribe to our Newsletter
© 2025 Empowerly Inc | All Rights Reserved
Cookie Preferences
Terms & Conditions
Privacy Policy
Solutions
Our Services
Admissions Committee Review
BS/MD & Pre-Med Admissions
Business School Admissions
College Prep for Neurodiverse Students
Computer Science & Engineering
Essay Advising and Review
Gap Year Admissions
Middle School College Prep
Test Prep
ACT Test Prep
SAT Test Prep
Transfer Admissions
About Us
Our Story
Why Us
Success Stories
Programs
AI Scholar Program
Research Scholar Program
Startup Internship Program
Resources
Blog
Referral
Webinars
Empowerly Score®
For Organizations
Partnerships & Affiliates
Empowerly for Employers
Book a Free Consultation
Login