As a sophomore in high school, I know that thinking about college can already feel stressful, even though graduation still feels far away. Conversation about GPA’s, standardized tests, and future careers start earlier than many students expect, which can make it feel like we need to have everything figured out right now. To better understand how students experience this pressure, I interviewed four high school students, Kimberly, Justin, Sara, and Jazzy, about when college stress begins, what causes it, and how they manage it. Although their experiences were different, many of their responses showed similar challenges and coping strategies.
When the Pressure to Be Ready for College Begins
The four students began feeling college pressure at different times in high school. Kimberly explained that her stress started in late sophomore year when people began talking seriously about GPAs, AP Classes, and SATs. Justin and Jazzy both said junior year was when pressure increased the most, especially once teachers and parents began asking about college plans and testing season approached. Sara, however, shared that she started feeling anxious as early as freshman year after hearing older students frequently talk about college and future expectations.
What Causes the Most Stress About College Applications
Each student described different reasons for stress, but uncertainty about the future was a common theme. Justin mentioned that comparing himself to classmates who seemed academically ahead created pressure, while Kimberly shared that it can feel like one mistake could negatively impact everything. Sara explained that the idea of needing to know your entire future can be overwhelming, and Jazzy added that students often feel pressure to stand out and appear impressive, which increases stress surrounding academics and activities.
How Students Cope with College Pressure
All four students discussed ways they manage stress in healthy ways. Kimberly said talking things out with friends and breaking tasks into smaller steps helps prevent feeling overwhelmed. Justin focuses on taking breaks and spending time on activities he enjoys outside of school. Sara finds journaling and talking with family helpful for calming anxiety, while Jazzy tries to stay organized and handle responsibilities one deadline at a time. Together, their responses show that balance and support are important coping strategies.
Advice for Younger Students Feeling Stressed About College
When asked what advice they would give younger students, many emphasized trusting the process. Kimberly encouraged students not to rush because there is still time to figure things out. Justin advised focusing on doing your best rather than trying to be perfect. Sara suggested enjoying high school while you can instead of constantly worrying about the future. Jazzy highlighted the importance of asking teachers and counselors for help early, explaining that support systems can make a big difference.
What Students Wish Others Understood About High School Pressure
Several students felt that adults sometimes underestimate how constant college pressure can be. Kimberly explained that the stress is not just about applications but about managing everything at once, including grades and expectations. Justin noted that pressure can affect students’ mental health, not just academic performance. Sara also mentioned how difficult it can be to balance school, activities, and personal expectations at the same time.
The Role of Comparison and Social Media
Comparison to others was something every student related to. Kimberly and Sara both acknowledged that social media can increase pressure by making comparisons feel unavoidable. Justin shared that limiting time on certain apps helps him focus less on others and more on his own progress. Similarly, Jazzy explained that focusing on personal goals instead of competing with classmates helps reduce unnecessary anxiety.
What Helps Students Feel More Prepared or Reassured
Support from others played an important role for all four students. Kimberly said talking with a counselor helped her feel reassured, while Justin found that making plans and sticking to deadlines made the process less intimidating. Sara shared that visiting colleges and learning more about options increased her confidence. Jazzy added that reassurance from mentors and trusted adults helped her feel more prepared for future decisions.
Remembering It’s Okay Not to Have Everything Figured Out
A final message shared by each student was the importance of accepting uncertainty. Kimberly reminds herself that many adults did not have everything figured out at eighteen. Justin views college as only one part of life rather than the entire future. Sara focuses on remembering that growth takes time, and Jazzy reminds herself that life is not always a straight path. These perspectives help reduce pressure and encourage patience during the process.
Conclusion
Although college preparation can feel overwhelming, these interviews show that students are learning how to manage pressure through support, organization, and perspective. As a sophomore, hearing these experiences makes it clear that feeling unsure is normal. Success in high school is not about having everything planned perfectly, but about growing, learning, and moving forward step by step.
Jenni Espinal is a sophomore at Cristo Rey Boston High School with a strong interest in psychology and neuroscience. She hopes to build a career helping people better understand themselves and the way their minds work. Jenni joined MEFA as an intern in the fall of 2025.
