Stop stressing out.

Students are finding ways to cope with the pressure of hearing back from colleges and taking standardized tests this spring.

“There is a place for every student,” says Susan Spillane, counselor. “Just knowing there’s other options [besides college] can put students at ease.”

Today, high standardized test scores and acceptance letters seem like the only chance to be successful after high school.

“I don’t think that test scores will make or break your college apps, but you don’t want bad scores to put you at a disadvantage to someone who has similar qualifications to you but has a higher ACT score,” says junior Madeleine Byrne.

“The best preparation is doing well in your classes,” says counselor Susan Spillane.

“Because there are so many schools out there that are test-optional, there’s less pressure to get really good scores than there has been in the past,” explains Madeleine.

Schools like Wake Forest University in North Carolina make sending in standardized test scores optional.

“It’s important to take care of your mental health too,” explains Spillane. “It’s important for students to have some time off. You have to have time to relax.”

Colleges themselves don’t make life any easier with tough acceptance rates.

According to the NY Times, more colleges are increasing their waitlists, and Ivywise says that overall acceptance rates are dropping which only adds to the pressure.  This could be because the numbers of schools that individual students apply to are also increasing.

Gap years are another option; they don’t have to be spent back packing in Europe. They can be here in Evanston, saving up money or taking classes at Oakton Community College.

“I knew that even if I didn’t get into any schools, I would be fine and could come up with something meaningful to do,” said Elaine Simon, senior.

Academic Intervention Team will help students catch up if they are failing any classes.