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“What If I Pick the Wrong School?” How to Cope with College Decision Anxiety

  • Writer: Attentive Psychotherapy & Counseling Center
    Attentive Psychotherapy & Counseling Center
  • Apr 23
  • 3 min read

For many high school seniors, college decision season is filled with excitement—but also a whole lot of anxiety. At Attentive Psychotherapy & Counseling Center, we regularly see students who feel completely overwhelmed when faced with choosing a school. Some wait until the last possible day to decide, not because they are careless—but because the fear of making the “wrong” choice is paralyzing.

Woman biting pencil, looking at laptop with frustrated expression. Colorful pencils in foreground, window in background, bright setting.


The Numbers Behind College Decision Stress


  • In a 2022 survey by Inside Higher Ed, 67% of students reported feeling stressed or anxious about their final college choice.

  • According to the Common App, nearly 40% of students submit applications or make enrollment decisions within the final 10 days of deadlines.

  • A report from BestColleges revealed that 52% of high school students feel pressured to make major future decisions too soon, while College Rover found that 1 in 4 students attend therapy specifically to cope with college application stress.

  • On the more extreme end, 1 in 8 students have abandoned college plans entirely due to the pressure and emotional toll of the process (Parents.com, 2023).


It is not just nerves. The pressure is real.

Woman in turquoise sweater with headphones looks at laptop. A small dog sits beside her on a cluttered bed. Bright window background.

Why Is Choosing a College So Overwhelming?


1. Fear of Making the Wrong Choice

Teens worry that one wrong move could “ruin” their future. The idea that this decision defines their identity or success creates pressure that can feel unbearable.


2. Analysis Paralysis

Research from Harris et al. (2021) found that high anxiety increases decision-making fatigue, leading to a tendency to overthink, avoid, or freeze entirely.


3. External Pressures

Family opinions, social media comparisons, and school expectations all amplify stress. Many students feel they need to choose not just the “right” school, but the “perfect” one.


4. Avoidance Until the Deadline

Because the decision feels so overwhelming, many students avoid it until the last possible moment. This only increases anxiety and often leads to rushed or uncertain choices.


Woman in brown sweater and blue skirt sits pensively against a gray sofa in a bright room, with a guitar in the background.

Therapy Can Help—Even in Just a Few Sessions


The good news? You or your child do not need months of therapy to start feeling better. At Attentive Psychotherapy, we often support students with short-term, solution-focused therapy during times like this. Even just 2–6 sessions can help teens:


  • Clarify what really matters to them

  • Learn tools to manage stress and anxiety

  • Make a confident, empowered decision


We offer both virtual and in-person therapy, and are in-network with most insurance plans, including Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, AmeriHealth, and Horizon BCBS.

Graduate in cap and gown blows colorful confetti with a joyful expression, in a blurred outdoor setting.

We Are Here to Support You


Whether you are a student struggling with college anxiety or a parent watching your child spiral under pressure, know this: You are not alone. Decision-making does not have to feel this hard. The support of a skilled therapist can make all the difference.

Reach out today—before the stress becomes unmanageable. Sometimes, a little help now can prevent a lot of struggle later. www.attentivepsychotherapy.com or call 908-246-1480.



1. Inside Higher Ed Survey (2022)Inside Higher Ed. (2022). Survey finds 67% of students report stress and anxiety in choosing a college. Retrieved from https://www.insidehighered.com/

2. Common App (2023)Common App. (2023). Nearly 40% of students submit applications or make enrollment decisions in the final 10 days. Retrieved from https://www.commonapp.org/

3. BestColleges Report (2023)BestColleges. (2023). 52% of high school students feel pressured to decide on their future too soon. Retrieved from https://www.bestcolleges.com/

4. College Rover Report (2023)College Rover. (2023). 1 in 4 students attend therapy specifically to cope with college application stress. Retrieved from https://www.collegerover.com/

5. Parents.com Report (2023)Parents.com. (2023). 1 in 8 students abandon college plans due to emotional toll of application process. Retrieved from https://www.parents.com/

 
 
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