Applying for college is never an easy task. For many students and their families, however, it can turn into an overwhelming, highly stressful experience. Last-minute decisions, sudden deadlines and unexpected requirements can all take anxiety levels to new highs.

It doesn’t have to be that way. With a little planning, the college application process may still require a lot of work, but not nearly as much stress.

Most advisors suggest beginning the college selection process early in the student’s junior year. Of course, if you’re reading this now because you have an anxious high school senior just beginning the process, it’s time to play a little catch-up.

Honestly discussing college costs and family finances is one way to reduce stress. If an expensive school isn’t affordable for your family, discuss possible options. Is a scholarship or major grant likely, or if loans are necessary, who will be paying

them back? Getting the financial issues straight helps lead to intelligent college choices.

A little knowledge can also reduce anxiety. Pick up several college guidebooks that rate schools and describe programs, acceptance procedures, campus life and much more. Online sites like collegeboard.com or unigo.com can also offer valuable facts and insights. Don’t forget your high school’s college counselor as a great source of information.

Often, students feel overwhelmed and anxious because of all the college choices facing them. Encouraging your children to compare their own goals, interests and likes against the information they gather about various schools can help narrow the list of possible choices down to a manageable number.

The biggest stress reducer and “disaster avoider,” is a simple task and deadlines calendar. For each school, work backwards from its application deadline, listing dates for required activities, such as ACT or SAT testing, recommendation letters, submitting high school transcripts and similar details. Include time-lines for things that will require extended effort, like that college essay, and don’t forget follow-up dates to check on whether those requested recommendation letters or transcripts were received.

Reducing anxiety is simply a matter of eliminating the unknown. When you’ve helped your student learn enough about schools to make an intelligent choice, and helped him or her establish a process that will keep things under control, then the stress levels just naturally go down. Of course, the anxiety that will come from waiting to learn if one is accepted after the applications are finally in is another whole story.

“The Counseling Corner” is provided as a public service by the American Counseling Association, the nation’s largest organization of counseling professionals. Learn more at www.counseling.org.

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