It’s October, and while classes are in full swing, high school seniors are tasked with the intense task of juggling their classes, writing personal statements, and completing their supplementals. On top of that, many students are also balancing their involvement in extracurricular activities and part-time jobs, making the challenge even more daunting. While managing schoolwork and extracurriculars can be overwhelming in a typical year, the pressure of college applications adds another layer of stress that can seriously dampen student morale. How are they managing all of these demands without feeling overwhelmed? How do they find a balance between their current commitments and their future aspirations? The stress of this period raises important questions about how students are coping with this critical phase of their academic journey.
Alaia Phillips ‘25 is managing a demanding schedule, juggling three Advanced Placement (AP) classes, a part-time job, involvement with the yearbook staff, and applying to 10 colleges.
“I try not to prioritize one over the other, I try to get an even amount of time devoted to both,” said Phillips on how she finds balance. “I figured that this is the most beneficial in the long term and gives me the least amount of stress.”
“Pressures of non-academic activities are significant,” said Phillips, who works as a lifeguard during the week and on the weekends. She explains, “When I work, I don’t get home till around 7:30, so that definitely affects my sleep, which further affects my schoolwork.” Despite her packed schedule, Alaia remains focused on balancing responsibilities, though it often takes a toll on her rest and energy levels.
As an artist, Kendall Lee ‘25 approaches college applications from a unique perspective. Currently balancing two AP classes, involvement in advanced art classes, and Technical Theatre conservatory, she’s applying to eight colleges, all of which require a portfolio, and she faces a distinct challenge.
“I try to balance them as much as possible. I put school work first during the weekdays and then college apps on the weekends,” Kendall’s experience as an art major adds another layer of submitting a portfolio of her artwork to her college process. “My ED [early decision] school requires 13-20 [pieces], and I am shooting for 15 works. This has been super stressful, so I have been in the art room so much this first trimester, trying to produce as many works as possible. People think I have less work to do because I don’t have any supplements to do, but in reality, I am under the same amount of stress, or even more, than other students.”
Ivy Barron ’25 approaches her senior year with a demanding schedule that highlights her dedication to the arts. Alongside her AP Art History course, Ivy is a lead in the fall play, a part of the Women’s Ensemble choir, has a part time job, and is a member of the associated student body. She is applying to 18 colleges.
“I’ve been focusing on a lot of my schools because we can also send those in our applications, so I’m really trying to make sure my grades don’t slip,” Barron explains.
The challenges of maintaining high grades and staying on top of her extracurriculars is something Ivy is very conscious of, but she’s staying focused. “I want colleges to know I can handle everything I’m doing now while applying for college at the same time,” said Ivy “I’m just trying to get ahead on applications because I do theater…with tech week coming up, that’ll take a lot of my time because we do leave at 8:30, but it’s something I enjoy.” While aiming to double major in both business and theater, Ivy faces the dual challenge of crafting a theater portfolio while completing the supplemental essays required for her business major.
Instead of being able to fully enjoy their last year, many seniors find themselves overwhelmed, struggling to balance the demands of their academic lives with their future goals. As they juggle these responsibilities, students may feel disconnected from their peers and school activities, resulting in diminished school spirit and energy, as the focus shifts away from enjoying the moment to simply surviving the workload.
“Lean on the adults in your life, like your Mayfield College Counselors, who are here to help!” Amy Lareau, a college counselor, offers valuable advice help seniors manage the overwhelming workload of school and college applications and stresses the importance of setting boundariesTo help seniors stay focused and ensure they both get enough rest and stay connected to family and friends, Lareau suggests a digital detox: “[Take] a full-blown hiatus from TikTok and Instagram” At least, said Lareau until applications are submitted.
