Expand the number of colleges and universities offering a simpler option known as direct admissions

With direct admissions, students no longer need to worry about collecting and submitting transcripts, letters of recommendation, and writing lengthy admissions essays. Instead, colleges and universities simply look at a student’s academic record, often including test scores, and make a decision on whether to admit them or not. This can help to decrease the stress and anxiety that often comes with the college application process. For schools, direct admissions can be an effective way to attract more tuition-paying students who might not have otherwise considered the institution. Ultimately, direct admissions can be a win-win for both students and colleges, making the application process less burdensome for students while also helping schools to meet their enrollment goals.



Promote transparency from college admissions offices about their evaluation criteria and the application process in general

As high school students and parents grapple with the stress that comes with college admissions, it is essential that colleges promote transparency with their evaluation criteria and application processes. Since college admissions have become increasingly competitive, most applicants have difficulty navigating the process. Making this information easily accessible and understandable for teenagers would help alleviate their anxiety surrounding the process. Setting expectations early on for all applicants will help them better prepare for their goals, improve communication between all stakeholders, and ultimately reduce mental health-related issues prevalent in today's youth population. By creating greater transparency around criteria and timelines, as well as providing more resources to help understand the process, colleges can lead to reducing these untoward effects on our next generation of leaders.

Change admissions policies to prioritize personal essays and letters of recommendation over high grades and GPAs

As a society, we need to shift our priorities when it comes to college admissions for teens. Rather than placing disproportionate emphasis on high grades and GPAs, the focus should be shifted to emphasize things like personal essays and letters of recommendation. Not only would this help reduce stress levels among adolescents as they look towards college applications, but it would also give admissions offices much more insight into the individual applying. It can be too easy to let a GPA or SAT score overshadow the full story of an applicant, which this kind of change in policy would alleviate. By shifting away from high-pressure metrics and instead focusing on providing potential glimpses into who the student really is, positive changes could be made to teen mental health prospects across the country.

Expand financial aid options for families who can’t afford rising tuition costs

In the U.S., teenage mental health is in crisis. While the high cost of tuition and ever-increasing fees can be a source of stress and anxiety for many families, there are steps that can be taken to alleviate some of this financial burden. By expanding access to financial aid options, we can work towards providing relief to families struggling to meet tuition costs. By easing this burden on students and their families, we can also begin to chip away at the difficult issue of college admissions-related anxiety and depression among teenagers. Our young people deserve all opportunities to ensure they get the education they need. Let's help make higher education accessible by exploring ways to expand financial aid options for our ambitious youth.

Create more mentorship programs between colleges or universities and high schools to help guide teen applicants through college applications

College admissions can be a daunting experience, especially for teenagers who navigate the process alone. To support teens through this stressful stage, mentorship programs between colleges, universities, and high schools should be created. Such programs could provide teens with the tools, guidance and encouragement they need to make well-informed decisions on their college applications. Additionally, these mentorship initiatives could focus on elevating teen mental health during this critical period of life by promoting self-care and seeking help when needed. Overall, connecting college institutions directly with high schools is an excellent way to create personalized pathways for each individual teen’s future success.

Provide more resources for teens seeking mental health services, both during and after the college application process 

It has become increasingly clear that America’s teenagers are in crisis when it comes to mental health, and college admissions play a role in the anxiety and depression that too many of them experience. To help prevent this issue, we must provide more resources for teens looking for mental health services. This support can start early, with counselors offering care and guidance throughout the college application process. After they submit their applications, teens should continue to receive ample resources to help them cope with the difficult emotions that inevitably arise during this time. It’s time to invest in our young people, so they have the tools needed to get through the college admissions process without sacrificing their well-being – now and into adulthood.

We can no longer ignore the toll college admissions takes on teens' mental health. It’s time for institutions and counselors to step in with more active ways of addressing the problem. By expanding automatic admissions, changing admissions policies, expanding financial aid options, creating mentorship programs, providing more mental health resources, and promoting transparency from college admissions offices, we can create a healthier system that supports teens and encourages them to pursue their goals without sacrificing their well-being. We aren't powerless in the tragedy of the teen mental health crisis in America; together, we have the power to help make college applications something that encourages life-enriching learning, instead of causing unnecessary stress.