Enrollment and the Emotional Well-Being of Prospective Students - Insights from the 2024 Study

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Fahsai

Enrollment research examines how the college search process affects the emotional well-being of over 8,600 12th-grade students. Findings highlight pervasive stress, anxiety, and worry, with high shares reporting frequent or most-of-the-time distress. Financial anxiety, uncertainty in admissions timelines, academic pressure, social fears, and safety concerns emerge as dominant triggers. Despite anxiety, excitement for independence and campus experiences is strong. The report outlines opportunities for colleges to reduce anxiety through clearer guidance and supportive resources.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages20

Reading Time50 min

AccessFree to download

How admissions professionals can help

10 terrors about the college process: top takeaways from the 2024 study

Financial anxiety dominates

Fear of the unknown

Academic pressure

Social worries

Safety is paramount

Excitement for independence

The weight of choice

Mental health worries

Financial aid confusion

Fear of missing out

Greatest challenges for 12th graders: stress, anxiety, and worry

Enrollment and the Emotional Well-Being of Prospective Students Creating a Culture of Care Co-sponsored by: How Do We Make the College Journey Less Nerve-Wracking for HighSchool Students? As part of the higher education community, we are not merely observers but key players in shaping students’ experiences as they transition from high school to higher education. While this is a time of great excitement and possibility, it is also a significant challenge for many young people. How can admissions professionals help students manage their stress during this process? RNL and ZeeMee surveyed more than 8,600 12th-grade students to explore how the college search process has impacted them emotionally. This survey expands on our pioneering 2023 study, College Planning and Student Emotions, to dive into even more detail about the well-being of students and opportunities for campuses to minimize anxiety and maximize excitement about attending college. There is much work to do. The data we share in this report shows a concerning picture of the emotional state of 12th graders, with high percentages reporting pervasive feelings of stress, anxiety, and worry. These emotions, if intense and chronic, can negatively impact not only students’mental health but also their ability to succeed academically and socially in college. However, the findings in this report will reveal opportunities to address these anxiety triggers and stressful situations before they overwhelm students—and feel optimistic about the life-changing opportunity they have in front of them when they enroll. © 2024 RNL | Enrollment and Emotional Well-Being of Prospective Students 2 10 Terrors About the College Process: Top Takeaways from the 2024 Study Financial Anxiety Dominates: Concerns about affording college topped the list, with 82% of students anxious about how they will pay for their education. Understanding financial aid and scholarships (70%) and completing the FAFSA (58%) were also major stressors. Fear of the Unknown: Not knowing when they will hear back about admissions (56%) and uncertainty about where to start the process (51%) highlighted the anxiety of navigating uncharted territory. Academic Pressure: The fear of getting poor grades was the top concern about college life, impacting 78% of students. This academic anxiety underscores the pressure many feel to succeed. Social Worries: Fears about not fitting in (52%), feeling different (53%), and having a hard time making friends (67%) revealed the social anxiety many students feel about the college transition. Safety is Paramount: Campus safety concerns, including violence, sexual assault, and discrimination, were top of mind for prospective students, highlighting the need for transparency and proactive safety measures. Excitement for Independence: The excitement for the college experience shone through despite the anxieties. Going to new places (92%), meeting new friends (81%), and living in a dorm (90%) topped the list of thrills. The Weight of Choice: Deciding on the right college was a significant hurdle for 60% of students, emphasizing the pressure of deciding with long-term implications. Mental Health Worries: Amid the college prep frenzy, 65% of students expressed concerns about their mental health, signaling the need for proactive support and resources. Financial Aid Confusion: Understanding how to qualify for financial aid and scholarships was a major stress point for 50% of students, highlighting the need for clear, accessible guidance. The Fear of Missing Out: The pressure to keep up with peers was evident, with 74% of students worried about not having enough money and 74% concerned about peer pressure, revealing the perceived need to keep pace financially and socially. © 2024 RNL | Enrollment and Emotional Well-Being of Prospective Students 3 The Greatest Challenges for 12th Graders: Stress, Anxiety, and Worry The final year of high school is a critical time of

FAQs

What did the 2024 survey measure and who took part?

The study surveyed more than 8,600 12th-grade students to explore how the college search process affects them emotionally.

Which anxieties were most common in the 2024 takeaways?

Financial anxiety was highest, followed by concerns about financial aid and scholarships, and uncertainty about admissions timelines and next steps.

What opportunities does the report suggest for colleges?

Institutions can reduce anxiety and maximize excitement by improving guidance, increasing transparency on safety, and leveraging technology such as virtual tours and online programs.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Fahsai