Importance of Mental Health in College Admissions

With the start of a new admissions cycle, students, parents, school counselors, and college admissions professionals will focus on application deadlines, essays, senior-year grades, whether to submit test scores, and ways to stand out. We also must reflect on the recent Supreme Court ruling regarding race-conscious admissions. While all these factors are essential for college admissions, one issue deserves special attention: the importance of mental health.

Mental Health's Role in Admissions

Last month, Bianca Busch, MD, the "College Psychiatrist," was a guest on the podcast Application to Admission. The board-certified psychiatrist focusing on college-aged individuals shared her guiding principle: "Parents must learn to compromise with their teens. Students rarely receive everything they desire, just as parents don’t get everything they want. Parents should aim to partner with their children and maintain open communication, recognizing that the student's social and emotional well-being is paramount."

Dr. Busch emphasized the importance of collaboration between parents and students. “I urge secondary school counselors and institutions of higher education to reflect on their influence on adolescents' emotional and mental well-being. As educators, we must strive to lessen the pressures and anxieties associated with college applications while assisting students in redefining their notions of success.” 

Redefining Success in College Admissions

Redefining success means promoting the idea that students can achieve a high-quality education while thriving in schools nationwide. It also means rejecting outdated practices, like rankings, that imply one school is "better" than another. Students should broaden their college lists by adding lesser-known institutions. This approach increases students’ options and alleviates some of the stress linked to the college application process.

Avoid Misinformation and Comparisons

A major source of stress and anxiety during the college admissions process stems from misinformation and the tendency to compare your student's situation with others, particularly given the rapid changes within the industry. College admissions decisions made even just two years ago differ significantly from today’s decisions. Relying on non-professionals and those unfamiliar with the evolving processes may result in a college search supported by an unstable foundation. But you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Seek help from professionals. 

Setting Boundaries in College Talks

Discussing the college admission process can feel daunting to students and parents. Don’t make it a daily topic of conversation. You’ll both burn out.

Heed this cautionary tale from a college admissions expert with over 20 years of experience, who shared a story about his son's application journey. He initially broached the subject daily, stressing his son, who was able to communicate his discomfort. The two agreed to meet once weekly to discuss college applications. The process became much smoother — and less stressful for both — once they established a routine to share updates about timelines, schools, and other related topics. 

Navigating self-development while becoming more independent creates a uniquely stressful transitional period for teens. Creating clear boundaries at home can reduce help anxiety. During the college admissions process, prioritize supporting your child and validating their feelings. 

The Importance of Financial Conversations

Open and frequent conversations about college costs, starting early, are essential. Far too often, families avoid these uncomfortable discussions. If your child aspires to attend a dream school but you haven’t discussed a strategy to finance it, you risk greater anxiety for everyone later. We’ve already seen situations where top choice school(s) offer admission, leaving the parents to face difficult conversations about budget and affordability. 

It’s a disservice to teens and families when parents delegate crucial college financial decisions to their children. We wouldn’t allow a young adult to make a $300,000 investment in any other scenario independently, right? Delaying this discussion until their senior year isn’t fair to anyone. You can’t effectively begin the college search process without a clear understanding of financial aspects, where cost, location, major, and career prospects all play a vital role. 

Final Thoughts

Prioritizing mental health during the college admissions process must involve students, parents, and both secondary and post-secondary institutions. While each stakeholder plays a crucial role, the main focus must remain on the students’ emotional well-being. Despite this year’s unique challenges, we firmly believe that by working together, we can alleviate some of the stress and reclaim the excitement and joy that should define this pivotal period in students’ lives.