Increased Anxiety Over College?

I've noticed a trend where most people are very concerned about going to college. Has it always been this stressful, or is college admissions becoming more competitive? Any insights?

The perception of heightened competition and anxiety in the college admissions process is indeed grounded in reality. Over the past few decades, there has been a significant increase in the applications sent to colleges, especially those with higher selectivity rates.

This uptick can be attributed to multiple factors including:

1. Rising college attendance rates: More high school graduates are aspiring for a college education.

2. The common application: The advent of online applications has made it easier for students to apply to multiple institutions, effectively increasing the amount of competition.

3. Increased focus on prestige and rankings: There's been a growing emphasis placed on attending "top" or "prestigious" schools, which can amplify the sense of competition.

Regarding the stress and anxiety, they're unfortunately a byproduct of the process. While the admissions landscape has become more competitive, it's essential to remember that getting into a "prestigious" school isn't the be-all and end-all of one's future success. Many successful individuals have thrived in a variety of colleges—prestigious or not.

My advice would be to focus on finding schools that align well with your academic and personal goals, rather than solely targeting those based on their perceived prestige. Consider what programs, extracurriculars, and opportunities would truly support your aspirations. Remember, stress and anxiety can be mitigated by focusing on what you can control—your own effort and preparation—and acknowledging that there will always be factors outside of your control, such as the decision-making process of admissions officers. It's crucial to find balance and maintain perspective throughout this process.