Avoiding CSH, aka College Selection Hysteria

[tako]

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There is probably no concern that is more potent or palpable for many teenagers and their families than the experience of College Selection Hysteria, or CSH. While it is not yet an “official” psychological diagnosis, CSH is an often-observed phenomenon that starts to grip many adolescents and their parents around the beginning of their junior year of high school. This amplified form of anxiety is based in concern or worry about finding, being admitted to and paying for the “right” college.
Symptoms of CSH can include mental confusion, sleepless nights, worry, difficulty concentrating and irritability. If left untreated, it can lead to conflict between parents and children, feelings of helplessness, hopelessness and despair. Fortunately, CSH is treatable and even preventable.

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<p>Cute and witty; unfortunately also very true. </p>

<p>I liked this analogy:</p>

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For students, you might compare the process of selecting the right college to that of choosing which of many different parties you want to attend. No two parties are alike, and while they may have certain similarities, they are ultimately defined by their differences. It is impossible to compare them directly because they all have their own unique feel. Your party choice would most likely depend on who is there, what activities are offered, what food will be served and what music will be played. If you go to a party, simply because you think all the “in” people will be there, you are likely to end up totally bored and miserable.

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<p><a href=“Real Estate – Capital Gazette”>Real Estate – Capital Gazette;

[Roger_Dooley]

<p>That’s an interesting analogy. I’ve often thought of choosing an undergrad school as similar to choosing a vacation - destinations are very different, often impossible to compare, and usually there is no absolute “right” choice. How would one compare, say, an Alaskan cruise, a tropical resort vacation, or a tour of French castles? One might have a preference, but any one of the three could be very enjoyable.</p>

<p>Too often people look at college choices as black and white decisions - “College A is much better than College B” - even when such absolute comparisons aren’t meaningful.</p>

[3togo]

<p>I always think of picking a college has similarities to picking a gf/bf/mate. The overall universe of possibilities is huge, there is a much smaller subset with whom you fit, and there are many very viable choices each with their pros and cons. (and while you may pick the gf/bf/mate they may reject you even though you appear just as qualified as the gf/bf/mae they select).</p>

[MissBarbara]

<p>…and sometimes the really hot guys (Harvard?) like to play the field?</p>