College Admissions and Anxiety (Part II)

In addition to a healthy perspective on college admissions, adolescents also can reduce some anxiety by knowing the likelihood of achieving one's educational goals. Some stats (NACAC, 2016) illustrate the point:

- Nationally colleges on average admit about 2/3 of applicants.
- 40% of schools accept more than 70% of applicants.
- About 33% of Americans have a bachelor's degree, 42% at least an associate's degree.

The likelihood of getting into college is very good. From my own experiences working as a school counselor, the average high school student can get into more colleges than not. In Illinois, for example, a student with an average ACT of 21 and a GPA of 3.0 likely would be admitted at a minimum of nine of the twelve state universities.

The statistic about educational attainment above speaks to one's expectations. The majority of Americans do not have any kind of college degree and are doing well for themselves. Some kind of training past high school is crucial, but it doesn't have to be the college route. Trade schools, apprenticeship programs, and vocational training are some of the other options.

Not having a bachelor's degree doesn't equate to some kind of abnormality nor does it destine someone to a life of poverty or lack of fulfillment.