By J1 Reporter Liv Brown 

Applying for college is rarely easy. For many students and staff, it’s a dreaded process filled with endless paperwork, tough decisions, and constant reminders about deadlines. The work seems never-ending. But why is the process so stressful?

Much like applying for a job, there’s an element of uncertainty. Applicants don’t know exactly what admissions teams are looking for, making the process feel like a shot in the dark. That uncertainty is a significant source of anxiety for many young adults. But the pressure isn’t just on students—it also weighs heavily on their counselors.

“The most stressful thing to deal with is the dates and deadlines because every college can set their own deadlines, so it’s never the same,” said Mr. Ben Ascher, Marian’s college counselor. Deadlines vary, with some colleges requiring applications as early as October and others by November.

With so many deadlines to manage, anxiety often creeps in. How can students cope?

“Just step back and remember that everyone in your age group is in the same spot, and everything will be OK in the end,” Ascher said. “My biggest piece of advice would be to seek assistance—seek help.”

Students have access to many resources to ease the process, including their school counselors. Ascher and other counselors are available to provide guidance and reassurance during what can feel like an overwhelming time.

Beyond meeting deadlines, another major challenge is finding the money to attend college.

“I think that finding scholarship money is very difficult because a lot of times schools don’t outwardly present it,” senior Abigail McGuire said. “You have to either search on the web—on their websites—or rely on outside sources, which aren’t always readily available.”

Despite these challenges, scholarships remain a critical tool for offsetting tuition costs. While the search can be time-consuming, the financial benefits are worth the effort.

Staying motivated during the process is just as important. For McGuire, designing a new phase of life keeps her moving forward.

“I want to be an adult,” McGuire said. “It’s like you’re designing this new phase of your life.”

Confidence and persistence are key to managing stressful projects, McGuire added.

“Trust your gut but also listen to others around you,” McGuire said.

McGuire is applying to Creighton University and feels confident in her choice. Deciding between a Midwest school or a Jesuit school wasn’t easy, but luckily Creighton turned out to be both a Midwestern and Jesuit college. Creighton’s openness and scholarship opportunities ultimately made the decision clear.

While applying to college is full of hidden stress, the hard work will pay off in the future. Every application completed and hurdle overcome brings students one step closer to achieving their goals.