How We Design Ourselves on Paper

The college admissions process is a stressful time for students, especially those who feel a heavy weight in how they may perceive themselves based on the college they get into. With stressors such as Common App, supplemental essays, and intellectual vitality, many incoming college students would say that the time was nothing less than exhausting. What some don’t even realize, however, is that the college admissions process doesn’t just start for rising seniors. For many students, it can start from their freshman year of high school to as soon as their middle and lower school years. During this time, most students spend their time perfecting and editing essays on applications to make themselves appealing to colleges. Not to mention, many admission consultants for colleges map out their entire high school plan and students feel they make it perfect to a tee. So when it feels as though you’ve been burdened with this pressure because of an 8-month process you’ve been working your entire life for, of course, many people will compromise the state of their mental health for the chance to be successful. More than 60% of students reported that college application advice seemed overwhelming, and nearly half felt overwhelmed with applying to a multitude of colleges that many weren’t even interested in.

So, what’s the point of the college admissions process? This is what it is not:

• A measurable correlation to your self-worth.

• Another method of comparing your success to others.

• A process worth damaging your mental health for.
  

Some students feel pressured to get into a college simply because of a “brand”. But college is ultimately about finding the best fit for you. Setting realistic expectations while still dreaming big requires a careful balance that protects your well-being first. Unfortunately, college applications have become more of a competition and comparison with other students. Interestingly, these students differ immensely regarding their socioeconomic status, region, school district, ethnicity, and ultimately their differing access to resources. Students can feel inclined to create the best image of themselves on paper to stand out from the crowd of applications, although the admission officers do not know them personally. 6 out of 10 students have stated exaggerated facts or have put untrue things on their application. 39% have lied about their ethnicity, 30% forged/faked their letters of recommendation, and 34% lied about the stories in their essays.

This insecurity and self-consciousness in college apps have broken the value of someone being authentic in their application. It’s shifted from “being yourself” to “being your best self,” which in this day and age, means becoming the perfect applicant. Many Asian Americans feel pressured to be the “ideal” Asian American student, worried that they will not be up to par with their counterparts. Even after people do get in, different races feel discriminated against in college. 55% of African Americans reported feeling discriminated against because people claimed they were not smart or qualified enough to get into certain colleges. The toxic college culture and application process are from internal and external pressure, damaging a student’s perception and self-worth when basing their worth on a college name.

Thankfully, there are many ways to help students prioritize their mental well-being during the college admissions process:

Prioritize Time-Management. While college applications are important, it’s also important not to spend time stressing about it. Instead, take the time to make time for yourself or something other than college-related activities to alleviate stress.

Surround Yourself With Support. The college process can be toxic enough- don’t fill it with toxic people too! Whether it’s your friends, family, or even spending time in your religious faith, allow something or someone to lift you up, even if you can’t do it yourself.

Normalize Checking In on Your Mental Health. Whether you have a counselor, therapist, a licensed professional who can advise your mental well-being, or journaling, finding a way to get your feelings out can be a great way to allow yourself to relieve yourself of suppressed emotions. Regardless, find a way to express your emotions to reduce stress and feel like you have to hide your feelings.

Ultimately, creating a resume to make the best version of yourself to present to people with subjective perspectives on what deserves to be admitted into college is far from valuable to determine your self-worth. For anyone who is going through, or will be going through the college admissions process, remember to prioritize yourself before trying to please someone else.