5 Fears Teens Have About College (and How to Face Them with Confidence)

Starting college is exciting, but it also comes with challenges, especially when you’re a young entrepreneur. You might be stressing about whether you’ll succeed or how you’ll handle everything on your own. Luckily, there’s always a way to work through it. In this article, we’ll cover some of the biggest fears teens have about college and how to deal with them with confidence.

1. Fear of Being Independent Too Soon

College provides you with an opportunity to be more independent. You’re in charge of things like:

• managing your own self-care
• sticking to a consistent sleep schedule
• prepping for classes without anyone reminding you
• handling your meals and finances, especially if you’re living in a dorm

A common fear for teens is thinking they won’t be able to handle all of it. However, you’ve got more in you than you think. Here are some ways to build your independence:

• Start budgeting early: Use money from a part-time job or your business to practice managing income and expenses
• Build simple self-care habits: Create a sleep schedule, check in with yourself weekly, and set boundaries with tech
• Get familiar with campus support: Academic advisors, health services, and financial aid staff are there to help, so make sure to use them

2. Fear of Failing a Class

Failing is a real possibility—not just in college, but in life. In fact, 28% of college students fail classes simply because of poor study habits and not showing up for their responsibilities. College can be tough. The coursework is more advanced, and you’re expected to be a lot more self-directed when it comes to learning.

That said, you’re not powerless. You can take control of your grades by building some structure into your week. Stick to a schedule, join a study group, and work on managing your time. Don’t be afraid to show up to office hours either. It’s one of the best ways to ask questions, build relationships with professors, and show that you care about doing well.

3. Fear of Choosing the Wrong Major

With so many college programs out there, it’s normal to feel unsure about making the “right” choice. A simple way to figure out what fits you best is to test the waters and explore different interests. Here are a few ways to do that:

• Try out online courses in multiple fields to see what sparks your interest
• Look into interdisciplinary programs, like business and tech, if you’re drawn to more than one area
• Check out entrepreneurship programs if you’re already thinking like a business owner
• Talk to current students, alumni, mentors, or academic advisors to get insights into various programs

And if you change your mind later, that’s okay too—switching majors is more common than you think.

4. Fear of Imposter Syndrome

Perhaps no one in your family has gone to college, or your friends have taken different paths. You may question whether you’re somehow a fraud or shouldn’t have a spot in college. But you absolutely deserve to be there, and believing in yourself is the first step.

One thing you can do is connect with people who get it: find a mentor, talk to other students, join online communities, and build your confidence over time. Start keeping track of your accomplishments, no matter how small, and take a moment to celebrate those wins—they add up.

5. Fear of Not Fitting In

Academics, networking, and building your business are all major parts of college, but don’t overlook the value of finding your community. It can feel a little isolating at first when you’re trying to meet new people, but putting yourself out there is a necessity. Here are a few ways to get started:

• Join a club right away: Whether it’s an entrepreneurship group, a sports team, or even a trivia club, getting involved early gives you a chance to meet people before the awkwardness sets in.
• Go to campus events: Check your college website for meetups, welcome weeks, or mixers. These are built for students looking to connect.
• Volunteer on campus: Whether it’s helping out at the bookstore, student café, or leadership programs, volunteering is an easy way to break the ice and meet people while being productive.

What to Keep in Mind

Feeling nervous about independence, academics, or even the possibility of failure is completely normal for future college students. What matters most is focusing on building your confidence by taking care of your well-being, exploring different programs, and staying true to who you are. If you treat each step as a chance to learn and grow, you’ll be just fine.

Serious about your future? The Kantner Foundation scholarship can help turn your college vision into reality. Apply now!