I vividly remember receiving my Durham offer, with the instant sigh of relief and happiness, followed by the almost simultaneous dreaded realisation – I must get the grades. The pressure to achieve academically highly when applying to a top university is intensely felt throughout that final A-Level year and even the first term at uni, with many students still feeling as if they must continue proving themselves. This blog will be an insight into how to manage academics alongside wellbeing and mental health whilst applying and studying for A-Levels.
Mental health during applications for university
The application period comes with a weighty dual pressure on deciding your future pathway whilst simultaneously keeping up with the rigorous academic demands of A-Levels. It is a period of uncertainty, doubt and instability that will leave you questioning whether university is even the right choice for you. Don’t fret, this is common amongst most applicants, with the pressure of choosing the ‘correct’ university looming over so many students.
Reading prospectuses, attending open days, researching rankings, and trying to imagine life at different universities – it is pretty exhausting. My advice is to start researching as early as possible and in little chunks, so it all feels more manageable. Talking to teachers, careers advisors, and family to clarify options – attend open days to get more information and read many of our blogs on The Durham Student Website for insight into student life.
Ensure to spend a quality amount of time on personal statements and UCAS submissions. Be vigilant of deadlines and requirements to remove last minute stresses and panics. I would emphasise spending time researching your course and desired university across all platforms, asking chat forums like The Student Room as well as teachers about their opinions on what is available. You may discover something entirely new you never even considered. Keep your mind open but stay realistic.
It is important to balance ambition with self-care: mindfulness, rest, and realistic goals lead to success. You should aim to maintain study routines and take breaks to prevent burnout. There is no point dedicating so much time to applications, that you let your grades and motivation slip for your studies. Remember anxiety is normal and not a sign of weakness. Application processes are stressful, overwhelming and can feel so new and confusing – step back, speak to others and at the core ensure your vision is on your future and aspirations.
Mental health during A-level revision
Suddenly, sixth form felt very small, very short and very intense. With myself and many other students marking every lesson, mock, past paper as carrying weight towards the outcome of our futures. Pressure with predicted grades was mountainous. Teachers seemed to only speak in countdown – ‘you have eight weeks left’ which quickly turned to four and then before we realised it was study leave.
I think an important thing to remember during this period is that until you step into that exam hall, you still have time. It’s never too late to start, it’s never worthless to do a go over content even if it’s a month, a week or a day before the exam. Sometimes during A-Level revision you will almost certainly lose motivation, in some cases you may need to carry on being disciplined, or in other cases – rest is needed and well deserved. I think it’s important to strive for what you need to achieve and not aim for perfection. In order to cope, ensure you talk to peers and parents, continue exercising, get outside, have realistic revision plans but also remember to enjoy your last few days at school, as after your exams you will never get back those lunchtime chats or hallway gossip.
A-Levels is just as much a test on your knowledge and skills as it is on your ability to manage pressure, stress, and anxiety over the exams that claim to ‘determine your future’. However, take that last phase lightly. There are always options even if you don’t score as highly, miss your grades and offer – as long as you do the best you can do, that’s success and opportunities will still follow!
Anxiety during this period is normal. I had it. Many other peers had it. Most people in fact have it. You are not alone!
Looking after your mental health during the application process and A-Level revision is just as important as meeting deadlines and predicted grades. Focus on giving yourself space to pause, reflect, and breathe which can make the journey feel a little less overwhelming and much more doable.
Best of luck!
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