Why do I have such a negative attitude towards college?

I'm currently a junior and I've been noticing that I have a lot of negative feelings towards college. I can't exactly pinpoint why—whether it’s the stress of applications, fear of the unknown, or something else, it’s definitely affecting me. I'm just wondering if anyone else has felt this way? And if yes, how did you guys deal with it? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

It's completely understandable that you're feeling overwhelmed about the college process. It's a complex and sometimes intimidating experience, even more so as you're facing both an academic task (the actual application) and a life decision (selecting a school, a major, etc.).

Feeling apprehensive or negative may be your mind and your body's way of telling you that this is a stressful situation. It's normal to be scared of making a wrong choice or dealing with uncertainty about the future. This is a kind of fear of the unknown, which is a fundamental human feeling.

What's more, the college application process is a substantial undertaking. On top of your current high school workload, you're expected to fill out applications, write essays, and maybe take standardized tests. The workload is not insignificant, and it can feel like you're walking a tightrope trying to balance everything.

Dealing with these feelings isn't one-size-fits-all, and different people will have different ways of overcoming them. Here are a few strategies you might consider:

1. Open Up About It: Talk about your feelings with people who understand you—parents, friends, or maybe a counselor at school. You'll find that many people have probably felt the same way. Hearing other people's experiences and coping mechanisms can be very helpful.

2. Break Down the Task: The college application process can seem enormous when looked at as a whole. Break it down into smaller, manageable tasks, and organize them by deadlines. This will make your tasks seem less daunting.

3. Focus on Self-Care: Be sure to continue to take care of your physical health. This includes getting regular exercise, eating well, and ensuring that you are getting plenty of sleep. All of these things can help mitigate feelings of stress.

4. Mindfulness Practices: Try techniques like mindfulness or meditation. This can help you deal with the fear of the unknown and reduce stress levels.

5. Balance Your Time: Make sure to take time out for activities you enjoy. Whether that's reading, playing a sport, hanging out with friends, or just watching your favorite show, it's important to give yourself downtime.

Finally, remember that feeling this way doesn't last forever. The college application process is temporary and your feelings are likely to change once you finish your applications and start hearing back from colleges. Keep going! You're growing up, making important decisions, and that isn't easy. But it's all part of life's journey, and you're more robust and resilient than you know.