Is it normal to be so anxious and overwhelmed you cry?

I’m very over whelmed as a junior . It’s april which means AP testing now, the April ACT and every other thing happening in my classes and it’s so overwhelming and just…awful. It feels like I’m going crazy I’m so anxious. I have so much to do I can’t actually start doing it, it’s like I’m stuck. And then I start crying soemtimes because I get THAT stressed. What do I do?

OK, deep breaths.

Are you on vacation this week? If so, then it’s a great chance to decompress and prioritize.

Make a priority list-- what HAS to be done before you return to school on Monday?

Worst case scenario: you don’t do as well as you had hoped on some of those APs. Are there some that are more of a priority than others? Then that’s where you focus your limited time.

The ACT isn’t a big deal; you can retake it later. Would it help to postpone that all together?

Have you spoken to your parents? They know you and your situation, and can help you decide which things are low on your priority list.

It is normal to be so anxious and overwhelmed that you cry if you are overwhelmed and trying to do more than you can handle. Your mind and body are telling you something and not letting you ignore it. @bjkmom gives great advice. Try not to think of it all at once, break it down, prioritize, talk to your parents. And, as I have told my own daughter many times, your head won’t blow off if you get a B.

Where are you looking at going to college? If it isn’t one of the hugely selective school, or a hugely selective program at another school then don’t worry so much on the AP tests. My son got overwhelmed his Junior year and ended up just not focusing on the Physics AP test and concentrating on getting an A in the class. None of his colleges cared and he got great scholarships. (He wasn’t an engineering major but is STEM). Just do what the above person says and make a priority list. Set small goals, either by the day or even the hour. What are you going to do right now. 30 min on science, or 15 math problems or read 40 pages, etc. Do that take a break, watch a TV show, play a game, run, etc. then tackle the next goal. Break it up into manageable chunks. Will it hurt so much to take the next ACT exam instead?

You will get through this one day at a time. Do what needs to be done each day and don’t fret over what needs to be done next week. This is tough time for juniors. You do your best, and you will end up where you are meant to end up. Meanwhile, if you have a good bet school in mind that you are likely to get into, that you like and can afford, any other acceptances beyond that are just icing on the cake. Keep calm and carry on, a day at a time.

Oh, and @momtocarly had some good advice. Make plans today to catch a movie or Half-apps with some friends sometime in the next few days. Taking a break from all your work will have you returning to it refreshed, with more focus.

Know that there’s a lid for every pot.You will find the right college, and they’ll find you. You don’t have to be perfect to find success in college and in life. A little imperfection now and then is good for the soul!

Oh, and to answer your original question— yes, those tears are absolutely normal!!!

Remember that AP test results are not used for college admissions…only for college credit.