Last updated on Mar 18, 2024

How can you best support students' mental health during the college application process?

The college application process can be stressful and overwhelming for many students, especially in the midst of a global pandemic. However, there are ways to help them cope and thrive during this challenging time. In this article, you will learn some practical tips on how to best support students' mental health during the college application process.

1 Understand their concerns

The first step to support students' mental health is to understand their concerns and empathize with them. Some common worries that students may have include: academic performance, test scores, essay writing, financial aid, admission decisions, and future plans. Listen to their fears and frustrations without judging or dismissing them. Validate their feelings and acknowledge their efforts. Try to avoid comparing them to other students or pressuring them to meet unrealistic expectations.

Add your perspective

Lisa Stephen, Ph.D., ACC, NBC-HWC

Professional Coach for Women and Mothers • Life Coaching | Career and Executive Coaching | Performance Coaching
First and foremost take a few deep breaths so that you are calm and well regulated before responding to your student. So often in an attempt to help, we react rather than listen. We tell students why things will be fine or explain why they should not worry. Instead, try listening very carefully with the goal of understanding their emotional experience fully. Ask questions while expressing empathy and support. Normalize their feelings while assuring them that most students struggle.
Like
Report contribution

2 Encourage self-care

The second step to support students' mental health is to encourage them to practice self-care. Self-care is the act of taking care of one's physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It can help students reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance resilience. Some examples of self-care activities are: getting enough sleep, eating healthy, exercising regularly, meditating, relaxing, and having fun. Remind students to prioritize their needs and set boundaries. Help them find a balance between work and play.

Add your perspective

Lisa Stephen, Ph.D., ACC, NBC-HWC

Professional Coach for Women and Mothers • Life Coaching | Career and Executive Coaching | Performance Coaching
A great way to support students' mental health is to provide them with resources and tools before they struggle. There are so many great options. Brainstorm with them about what might fit for them. Perhaps they might want to use an app for meditating and/or breathing. Having a therapist or coach is typically very helpful. Identify self-care strategies that are a good match for the students' personality, lifestyle and interests!
Like
Report contribution

3 Provide resources and guidance

The third step to support students' mental health is to provide them with resources and guidance. Resources are the tools and information that can help students navigate the college application process more effectively and efficiently. Some examples of resources are: college websites, counselors, mentors, tutors, books, and online platforms. Guidance is the advice and feedback that can help students make informed and confident decisions. Some examples of guidance are: brainstorming, editing, reviewing, and coaching. Offer students the resources and guidance they need, but also respect their autonomy and choices.

Add your perspective

4 Foster a positive mindset

The fourth step to support students' mental health is to foster a positive mindset. A positive mindset is the attitude and belief that one can overcome challenges and achieve goals. It can help students cope with stress, boost motivation, and increase happiness. Some ways to foster a positive mindset are: expressing gratitude, celebrating achievements, learning from failures, and reframing challenges as opportunities. Inspire students to focus on their strengths, values, and passions. Help them see the college application process as a learning and growth experience.

Add your perspective

Load more contributions

5 Build a supportive network

The fifth step to support students' mental health is to build a supportive network. A supportive network is the group of people who can offer emotional, social, and practical support to students during the college application process. It can include family, friends, teachers, counselors, mentors, and peers. A supportive network can help students feel less isolated, more connected, and more confident. Encourage students to reach out to their network when they need help or encouragement. Help them create a safe and positive environment where they can share their thoughts and feelings.

Add your perspective

6 Seek professional help

The sixth and final step to support students' mental health is to seek professional help when necessary. Professional help is the assistance and intervention that can be provided by qualified mental health professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors. Professional help can help students address and treat serious mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts. Recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health problems and refer students to appropriate services. Do not hesitate to seek professional help if you or a student is in crisis or danger.

Add your perspective

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

Kwame Sarfo-Mensah

Emergent ABAR Educator | Education Consultant | Teacher Development Specialist | Author | Blogger
The college application process is always hectic. Many times, students are so caught up with getting the highest SAT or ACT scores that they lose sight of the fact that those test scores are just one component of their overall portfolio. In my case, I didn't have the highest SAT score. After three attempts, I only ended up with a 1010 score. However, I still felt confident because I had a strong academic transcript, made the honor roll every year in high school, and took part in extracurricular activities. All those things revealed that I was a well-rounded student, which is ultimately what colleges and universities care about the most. In short, we must help students understand that SAT/ACT scores aren't the end all, be all.
Like
Report contribution

How can you best support students' mental health during the college application process?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand their concerns

2 Encourage self-care

3 Provide resources and guidance

4 Foster a positive mindset

5 Build a supportive network

6 Seek professional help

7 Here’s what else to consider

K-12 Education

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on K-12 Education

More relevant reading

How can you best support students' mental health during the college application process?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand their concerns

2 Encourage self-care

3 Provide resources and guidance

4 Foster a positive mindset

5 Build a supportive network

6 Seek professional help

7 Here’s what else to consider

K-12 Education

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills