As seniors feel the pressure of college decisions, they start to experience overwhelming stress due to financial concerns and family expectations, which impacts their mental well-being in profound ways.

For many seniors, the college decision process is as emotionally draining as it is exciting. Between competitive applications, the uncertainty of acceptance, and the pressure to meet family expectations, seniors often struggle with stress and anxiety as they balance these decisions with daily schoolwork. In response, schools and families are considering ways to support students’ mental health, including resources like counseling and discussions on alternative post-graduation plans. Addressing these issues is essential for empowering seniors to feel confident in their paths, whether it is to attend college or not.

“I’ve found myself feeling anxious and overthinking now more than ever. There’s a constant sense of needing to reach certain standards, and it’s exhausting,” said Miguel Sanin, a high school senior.

Many students find that the application steps—essays, resumes, interviews, and deadlines—generate significant pressure in the college decision process. For seniors who balance academics, extracurriculars, and personal commitments, finding time to focus on applications becomes a primary source of worry.

“ It feels like you have to condense your entire personality and life experiences into a few hundred words,” and “The uncertainty of not knowing how admissions will see me is pretty tough.” Sanin shared, explaining how something like a resume can be overwhelming.

Many seniors also feel the weight of family expectations and the desire to live up to parental hopes. While this support can be positive, it can also add to their stress, especially when families have strict, specific desires for the student’s future.

“My family has very high hopes for me, and that adds significant pressure on me,” said Samuel Zuñiga, a high school senior. “They’re supportive, but there’s this unspoken expectation that I’ll go to a prestigious school and do something meaningful, which sometimes adds extra pressure.”