It’s officially college application season, and tensions are rising for high school seniors across the country. Between balancing essays, SAT scores, recommendation letters, and financial aid forms, the process can feel endless.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, around 1.4 million students apply to college every year, and many report that the process is one of the most stressful parts of senior year. As a senior myself, I can confirm—there’s a lot to handle.
Here at Central High School, seniors are finding different ways to manage the workload and pressure, especially those applying through Early Decision and Early Action, which were due on November 1st.
Balancing Schoolwork and Applications
Central High School senior Amanda Batista, 17, is applying early to her top schools.
“Balancing schoolwork and applications is tough,” she said, “I take time to sit with myself and reflect on what I got done that day. It helps me stay grounded.”
Despite the stress, Amanda says she supports keeping the Early Decision option.
“It’s a good option to fall back on,” she explained. “I don’t have a problem with the commitment because the schools I’m applying to are my top picks.”
Across the nation, around 50-52% of high school seniors consider financial aid during their application process. It’s often viewed as the most important part of college selection. With Amanda, finances are a big concern. “Definitely because I’m low-income,” she concluded.
Overwhelmed but Moving Forward
For senior Stone Hamilton, 17, the process feels confusing and, at times, frustrating.
“Understanding what’s going on with things like Xello, counselors, and financial aid can be hard,” Stone said. “The emails from colleges and social media are overwhelming.” Colleges send out over 3000 emails to prospective students, making the navigating process a bit more complicated.
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Stone has found ways to manage the pressure, though, engaging in hobbies like biking and skating. Regardless, Stone highlighted the difficulty trying to balance applications and school work stating, “Schoolwork definitely adds to the stress, but I try to live my senior year despite it all.”
Staying Calm Amid Chaos
Not everyone feels the pressure equally.
Senior YaLing Qian, 17, a Questbridge finalist, isn’t applying Early Decision and says she’s surprisingly calm. Questbridge finalists have a slightly different pathway than traditional college routes, with them having a different registration process.
“I feel nothing. No stress, nothing,” she said with a laugh. Still, she admits classwork sometimes gets in the way: “Hell yeah, my classwork is interfering. I’d rather be at home right now.”
The Takeaway
Whether applying early, regular, or through programs like Questbridge, seniors agree that the college process is stressful, but manageable with balance and support. From reflection to skating, everyone had their own coping methods.
And as deadlines approach, one thing’s clear: students are doing their best to stay grounded while preparing for what comes next.
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