I think two words sum up anxiety… What if? You could probably write reams. Life presents lots of what iffing and rational thinking might not help…I wasn’t hit by the speeding train… Instead, force yourself to think about driving speed and control, staying within lines, turning corners sharply and other important questions to divert iffing. Also, start taking deep breathes and exhaling slowly. Taking charge does help control overt anxiety and minimize trembling, fiddling and so on.
Do I really, really want to attend x school. Yes. Is there anything I could do to improve chances? No. Instead, focus on current demands and do something different if you start becoming anxious about an adverse decision. If you don’t start forcing calm by whatever works to sooth, then you may not be in good emotional shape to accept an offer. Alternatively, think carefully about alternative choices if the worst happens. Where would you like to go or do if you aren’t admitted and plan for that option.
About the counselor. What she did is done. I would not try to mitigate her letter now. Instead, make clear plans to minimize anxiety. Like any condition you must learn to live with anxiety. Get a formal diagnosis, get therapy that helps you control thean episode, talk to a doctor about medication. Surely, you would not tell a diabetic to buck up and not use insulin? Anxiety is another chronic medical condition that you need to manage in a way that is most successful for you.
Getting a clear understanding of anxiety and explaining your efforts to minimize its impact on learning can help you exp!ain why anxiety can be handled in an academic environment is the idea you want to convey to admissions, if asked. Finally, check into the campus disability services to see about accommodations and what you need to submit to get them.