How to Manage Stress and Protect Your Mental Health During College Applications

College application season can be one of the most exciting and stressful times in a student’s life. Between balancing schoolwork, extracurriculars, essays, and deadlines, it’s easy for mental health to take a back seat. Yet this is also the moment when caring for your emotional well-being matters most.

Across the country, both high school and college students are facing rising levels of anxiety, burnout, and depression. The pressure to “get it right” to find the perfect college, craft the perfect essay, or live up to expectations can weigh heavily.

Here are 5 mental health tips for the college application season — with practical strategies, signs to look out for, and free or low-cost resources to help you take care of yourself throughout the process. Whether you’re applying to your dream school or just starting your list, these mental health tips will help you stay grounded, confident, and connected.

Common Mental Health Challenges Students Face

Every student’s journey is different, but during application season, many experience similar challenges:

• Perfectionism and comparison. Social media highlights everyone’s achievements, but rarely shows the struggle behind them.
• Academic pressure. Balancing grades, exams, and applications can feel overwhelming.
• Fear of failure. Rejections can feel personal, even though admissions decisions depend on many factors beyond your control.
• Financial stress. The cost of applications and tuition adds another layer of anxiety.
• Uncertainty about the future. It’s normal to feel unsure about your path or fear making the “wrong” choice.

5 Mental Health Tips for College Applicants

Protecting your mental health doesn’t mean ignoring stress; it means learning to navigate it. Here are five ways to improve and protect your mental health during college applications, from Ivy Li, Associate Director of Mental Health at Apex for Youth:

1. Rest, rest, and rest – It might feel like your application will never end, and you’re tempted to stay up all night to finish it. But sleep fuels your memory, focus, and mood — all essential for writing strong applications and staying balanced.

2. Focus on authenticity, not perfection – You have amazing stories to tell! College essays don’t need to be flawless — they just need to sound like you.

3. Take mindful breaks – When stress builds up, pause for a short walk, stretch, or a few deep breaths. Breaks help your brain refocus and your creativity flow.

4. Keep perspective – College may feel like the ultimate destination, but it’s just one milestone in your journey. Acceptance or rejection letters don’t define you — your values, character, effort, and community will always guide your future.

5. Reach out for support – Talk with friends, mentors, school counselors, or Apex staff. And remember, you’re welcome to stop by Apex’s Office Hour for College Applications — you don’t have to navigate deadlines, essays, and emotions alone. We’re all rooting for you!

How to Cope with Stress Day-to-Day

Beyond the big picture, daily habits make a huge difference in your emotional well-being. Here are some small rituals and affirmations that can help you stay steady throughout application season:

Mini Rituals

• Morning stretch or gratitude check: Start your day by listing one thing you’re thankful for.
• Tech breaks: Step away from screens for 10–15 minutes between study sessions.
• Evening wind-down: Read or listen to calming music instead of checking emails at night.
  

Affirmations to Try

• “I’m doing my best, and that’s enough.”
• “Any college doesn’t define my worth.”
• “Progress, not perfection.”
  

Celebrate Small Wins

Finishing one essay, hitting “submit” on an application, or even organizing your to-do list all count as victories. Reward yourself with a snack, a walk, or time with friends.

Each step forward is proof that you’re showing up for your future and your mental health.

Free Mental Health Resources for Students

If you or someone you know needs extra support, there are many mental health resources designed specifically for high school and college students.

Check out our Resource Page to find the best match for you!

You don’t have to wait for a crisis to ask for help. Seeking support is a sign of strength and self-awareness, not weakness.

Finding A Balance 

You can work hard toward your goals and prioritize your well-being. When you treat rest as part of your productivity, you make space for clearer thinking, creativity, and resilience. When you ask for help, you build community and confidence.

By prioritizing mental health through rest, authenticity, mindfulness, perspective, and support, you give yourself the best chance to thrive, not just to apply.