Anxiety can manifest in a lot of different ways – some students have a deep, lasting worry or sense of dread, while others might be okay until a trigger sets off a panic attack. These feelings can impact a student’s self-confidence and make it hard for them to manage a complicated process like college prep and applications.
Students with anxiety disorders, whether they’re experiencing generalized anxiety, panic, PTSD, or OCD, need an environment that makes them feel safe. College prep and the stress that comes with that can be incredibly triggering to an anxious student, but that doesn’t mean the process has to be stressful. And we know how to help create a process that minimizes anxiety and helps support students – hey, we’re 91Ě˝»¨, we specialize in this. It’s so nice to meet you.
Why Hire an Independent Counselor?
A private college counselor can make a huge difference in a college outcome, even if you don’t struggle with anxiety. Even at elite private schools, high school counselors are often overloaded, working with dozens of students. Their real involvement typically starts in senior year, focusing on essays and logistics rather than helping with long-term strategy. While they can be helpful resources, they’re not shaping a student’s path or creating a system or structure where a student can thrive. By hiring a private counselor, you’re able to start having a real impact on your resume starting as early as sophomore year.
And here’s something to consider: you know the kids who seem to get effortless A’s and impressive acceptances without a hint of a struggle? They’re working with private counselors. If those already advantaged students are getting even more advantages, then it’s time to get the help you need to level the playing field.
That’s where we come in. Elite colleges aren’t just looking for high GPAs and long activity lists. They want students who are engaged, driven, and actively pursuing their passions. A compelling application takes time to build and by working with students early, we help them make smart, intentional choices that strengthen their profile and give them the guidance they need.
This is especially helpful for students with anxiety. We help create a plan and a structure that won’t throw them any wild curveballs, we’re always available to answer questions and alleviate worries, and we know how to tailor our process to try and cut as much of the stress out as possible.
What’s the Process?
When working with students who experience anxiety, it’s crucial to provide the structure and reassurance they need to navigate the all-too-often overwhelming college admissions process. When students with anxiety get too overwhelmed, they shut down – but with our personalized, one-on-one support, students gain the confidence to move through the process at a steady, manageable pace.
Explore Interests
Through their meetings with their counselor, students begin to uncover what truly excites them academically. Our counselors take the time to ask thoughtful questions that reveal both obvious and hidden interests, which in turn lets them create a personalized plan to go even deeper. We help our students engage with their interests in meaningful ways, often starting with online courses, books, documentaries, TED Talks, or hands-on experiences. The goal isn’t just to check a box; it’s to spark genuine curiosity. In order to build an impressive resume down the line, you need to start building a foundation now.
Carving a Niche
Once a student has an idea of what they’re interested in, we help them go deeper down the rabbit hole. It’s not enough to just say you want to major in poli sci or computer science, you need to prove that you have a more specific interest. That might mean you end up finding a passion for modern Japanese politics or how machine learning can impact healthcare outcomes. These niches allow you to stand out among a crowd of applicants, and it makes your application memorable.
Build Extracurriculars
After a student has begun to define their academic interests, we help them build extracurriculars that showcase initiative and depth. We might help a student start a club, secure a research position, land an internship, or develop an independent project. There’s no cookie-cutter formula, only strategic, personalized guidance based on each student’s needs. We also make sure the activities make sense – there’s no need to load up on things that take up a student’s time that don’t make them feel fulfilled or help them meet their goals.
Long-term strategy
A strong college application is about making smart choices every step of the way. We guide students in selecting the right courses, planning for standardized tests, and getting the most out of school breaks.
Summer, in particular, is a great time to get something big done. Students with anxiety may struggle with tackling a major project during the school year. We don’t set out to overwhelm our students, so that’s why we help them use summer strategically. We help fill their time with meaningful, enriching activities that help them pursue their academic goals.
Why 91Ě˝»¨?
We’ve worked with hundreds of students who deal with everything from autism to anxiety, and we understand how these struggles can make the college process feel overwhelming. However, we’re excellent at helping students with anxiety navigate the college process and end up at a top-tier college. We know that creating a safe environment with sound structure can make all the difference in how you approach something as daunting as college.
Anxiety can make it difficult to stay on track, manage deadlines, and handle the pressure of college prep. That’s where we come in. With the right support, students can focus on their strengths, reduce stress, and build an application that truly reflects their potential.
If your child struggles with anxiety and needs help with college prep, reach out to us today.