I am a senior currently awaiting/filling out my applications. I got into my safety IU and rejected by my ED (UPenn) and I am just filled with anxiety concerning the college process. I’m a good student 4.0+ WGPA and 33 ACT, but I just keep visualizing the very real possibility that I will get rejected from all the schools I apply to. I don’t even know if I can afford IU regardless if I would fit in there, and I am worried that all my hard work will be for nothing. How have previous people coped with this anxiety and what have they done to help. It just gets worse as I see all my peers get into top 30 schools in the early round while I sit here still uneasy. Thanks for the advice.
Have you talked with your parents on what is affordable? Then you will know now about IU.
Just because your peers are getting accepted to places doesn’t mean they will attend. Maybe their families have not had the affordability talk with them. Unfortunately, some parents don’t want to discuss money matters until reality hits them. Like seeing the financial aid package be less than what was expected.
Yes, it is possible you might get more accepted/waitlisted/rejected from colleges/univ. That is why it is important to have a variety so you can have a choice. Hopefully you have done this.
As far as anxiety reduction you could try and write down what your concerns are. Sometimes writing it down helps to make your concerns more concrete instead of a bunch of floating ideas and feelings zipping around. Then, if there are things you could get answered, that might help reduce your anxiety.
Journaling or adult coloring books/puzzles or sports or meditation or anything that is healthy that you enjoy or want to try. Others may give you more ideas.
You could look for a couple more affordable options to ease your mind about having affordable choices. Try to remember that you didn’t work hard to go to a top 30 college. You worked hard to build knowledge, and to develop skills to help you be successful at any college and in whatever you choose to pursue after college. Also, some of your friends won’t be attending the highest ranked schools they get into, either because of cost or because they genuinely think the fit is better at another school.