How to Handle the Stress of the College Application Process?

I'm a junior starting the college application process, and it's already feeling overwhelming. Any advice on dealing with stress and staying organized? I'm worried about keeping track of deadlines and writing essays while maintaining my grades.

Understand the stress that comes from juggling the college application process along with your regular school work. Here are some pointers to manage it all:

1. Break it into manageable tasks: College applications are indeed daunting, but they can be made manageable by breaking them into smaller tasks. For instance, one day you might work on researching colleges, and another day you might focus on drafting your statement.

2. Make a timeline and stick to it: Draw up a timeline to keep track of application deadlines, test dates, and school assignments. You can use a physical planner or digital tools like Google Calendar or Asana. Start with important fixed dates like test dates and application deadlines, and then work backward to set small, achievable targets for completing every part of your application.

3. Start early with your essays: Beginning the essays early gives you plenty of time to revise, get feedback, and perfect them. Don't pressure yourself to make every word perfect in the first draft - the goal should be to get all your ideas down first.

4. Take breaks: It might seem counterintuitive, but taking short breaks can help increase productivity. After a certain point, saturation can set in, making you less effective. Take planned breaks during your work periods to recharge.

5. It's okay to ask for help: Reach out to your teachers, school counselor, or a trusted adult if you feel overwhelmed. They may be able to provide practical advice or reassurance about your applications.

6. Practice self-care: Stress can be kept in check by exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and maintaining a balanced diet. Also, make sure to make time for things you enjoy, whether it’s hanging out with friends, reading, or playing a sport.

7. Prioritize: Recognize that there are only so many hours in the day. Prioritize your tasks and make sure that the ones that need your attention most are at the top of your list.

Remember, the college application process is just that, a process. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed at times. Just take it one step at a time and before you know it, you’ll have finished your applications and be ready to make your college decision.