As college application deadlines loom, particularly for Early Decision and Early Action, seniors across high schools find themselves balancing the pressure of completing applications with maintaining high academic performance.
With November 1 rapidly approaching, tensions are notably high, and students report mixed experiences in coping with the demands of both coursework and college applications.
For many, stress levels have peaked.
“The stress is very high. I feel behind compared to everyone else, and I’m dealing with it by just taking it a day at a time,” Mae Gordon ‘25 said.
Tess Gainsboro ‘25 shares Gordon’s anxiety.
“It feels like my whole life is relying on this moment,” Gainsboro said.
Ryan Hurst ‘25 agrees, adding that most of his stress stems from the workload of AP Literature.
“Reading has been a huge struggle to keep up with,” Hurst said.
Lincoln Jiang ‘25 feels that pressures stem from all directions, especially from nervous parents.
“Stress levels vary from student essays, worrying about grades, and some pressure from parents because they get worried as well,” Jiang ‘25 said.
Despite the intensity, some students have found ways to manage.
“I feel that I’m able to stay organized with a plan and a support system I’ve built for myself at Brimmer,” Giulia Laurenza ‘25 said. “I mainly only feel pressure from myself and maybe from other students applying to these elite schools.”
For others, the process is more about pacing.
“I’m about halfway through with my supplementals and still working on the essay,” Gordon said.
Meanwhile, Gainsboro has nearly completed her application and is now focusing on the final touches.
The level of support from school faculty and counselors also varies.
Christoph Kasper ‘25 also highlights the constructive feedback and assistance college counseling has provided him.
“Mr. Birdsall and Ms. Esquivel have both been very helpful. I come to them with any questions that I have and for feedback on all my essays,” Kasper said.
Gordon agrees, emphasizing the support the School has provided her through organization strategies.
“Ms. Esquivel has helped me a lot with my process by giving me different deadlines and talking me through the process,” Gordon said.
However, some, like Gainsboro, feel that some teachers are not entirely sympathetic of the pressures seniors face.
“Teachers are assigning even more work now,” Gainsboro said.
Others, such as Jiang, feel that it depends on the teacher and their style.
“Some teachers are more focused on their class and don’t prioritize individual grades,” Jiang said. “Others do want you to succeed and get good grades, but they won’t give you a better grade just because you’re in the middle of the college application process.”
Jiang recognizes that Physics Teacher Chris Hardman is especially sympathetic toward seniors and their workload, seeing as he curves tests for the class to help students improve their grades.
However, Jiang acknowledges that the School continues to motivate him and hold him to a high standard.
“My school and the college counselors keep emailing me and checking in to make sure I stay on track,” Jiang said. “Whenever Ms. Esquivel sees me, she makes sure to push me to get everything done that I’m supposed to.”
This proactive support aligns with the class’s strong sense of motivation – something that Laurenza urges juniors to cultivate early.
“Start looking at colleges now,” Laurenza said. “Also, by the end of this summer, have a clear picture of what you want your essay to be.”
This approach, Laurenza suggests, may help ease the stress when their turn arrives next fall.
