By Ieva STALAUSKAITE
Edited by Nil ALPER
For many students across the world, the final years of secondary school are filled with a mix of excitement, anticipation, and stress. Nowhere is this more obvious than among students at the European School of Luxembourg, where the pressure to apply to top universities is undeniable. With elite institutions like Sciences Po, the University of Amsterdam, Bocconi, and the Sorbonne on many students’ radars, the competition can feel overwhelming. However, the path to securing a spot at these prestigious schools is not solely about grades—it is about making a standout application package and managing the stress and anxiety that comes along with it.
European School students, who often multitask with their many subject choices: multiple languages and a demanding curriculum, the expectations are already considerably high. Though when it comes time to apply to universities across Europe, these pressures tend to reach an incredible peak. Schools like Sciences Po in Paris or the London School of Economics demand not just academic excellence but also a well-rounded profile, one that demonstrates intellectual curiosity, involvement in extracurricular activities, and a sharp vision for the future. Many students feel scared at the thought of being seen as just another applicant in their dream universities. The competition is fierce, and the process can feel intensely personal, as universities increasingly look for people who stand out not just on paper, but also in interviews and their personal statement essays.
One of the most challenging aspects for European School students is handling the different application systems across Europe. The application procedures differ depending on the country and institution. For example, applying to Maastricht University or the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands involves using the Studielink portal, while Sciences Po or Bocconi in Italy have their own separate application processes, each with different deadlines, requirements, and criteria. British universities, like the University of Oxford or King’s College London, rely on UCAS, which may make the whole procedure of applying even more challenging.
For students hoping to apply to several universities across different countries, the process can be incredibly stressful and expensive. Each application system may ask for different things—a CV, motivation letter, essays, portfolios, or specific subject requirements. Balancing these alongside Pre-Bac and the Bac exams can feel like an impossible task. Besides the pressure, it is important to remember that universities are looking for more than just academic achievement.
A few things you could try to make a powerful application:
Tell an interesting story – Whether you are applying to the Sorbonne, Bocconi, or the University of Edinburgh, your personal statement or motivation letter is the perfect opportunity to tell your personal story. Universities want to understand who you are besides your grade transcripts. What drives you? Why are you passionate about your chosen subject? Use specific examples from your life experiences to highlight your perspective. Use things such as your extracurricular activities or travel destinations, anything that has shaped you into the person you present yourself as today.
Show your intellectual curiosity – European universities, especially ones like Sciences Po or Leiden University, are looking for students who are deeply curious and motivated to learn. Show them how you have gone beyond school to engage with your chosen field. Perhaps participating in Model European councils or parliaments? Have you taken on extra research projects? Or even drafted articles such as these? All these factors may just be the keys to helping you stand out from the crowd.
Talk about your Multicultural Experience – Students at the European School of Luxembourg have an extreme advantage: they are multilingual and used to being part of a diverse environment. This multicultural background is a big plus for European universities, as diversity and internationalism are highly valued elements in academic institutions. Make sure to emphasize how your experience in a European School has prepared you for studying in a global setting. The European school is an incredible example of this, as every single student in this school comes from a different background, country, and has his/her own unique story to share.
Ace Your Interview – Some universities, like Bocconi or Sciences Po, require interviews as part of the admissions process. Preparing for these is an absolute must! Practice answering questions about your motivation, your academic interests, and how you will contribute to the university community. Be authentic, interviewers can tell when you are being genuine versus giving rehearsed answers. Typically, interviews are also the last step of your admission, so nailing them is extremely important.
The graduate and current S7 students from the European School can confirm that the application process can take a toll on them both mentally and emotionally. The pressure to get into your dream university can be draining.
Here are a couple tips on how you could potentially manage all the stress you are going through:
Stay Organized – Keep track of all deadlines and requirements in a spreadsheet or a planner. Being organized will help reduce the stress of last-minute scrambling.
Break It Down – Rather than focusing on the overwhelming task of applying to multiple universities, break it down into smaller, manageable steps. Tackle one application at a time, and reward yourself for completing each stage, this way you will not have a stack of applications to fill out all at once, with a deadline right around the corner.
Take Time for Yourself – Application procedures can be highly exhaustive; hence, it is crucial to spare some free time for yourself. Whether it be spending time with friends, playing sports, or simply taking a walk, these breaks are essential for maintaining balance.
Ask for Help– Do not hesitate to lean on teachers, school counselors, or friends for advice and support. Sometimes just talking through your concerns can ease the pressure. The school counselors and university coordinators know what they are doing as they have done it many times before, so do not worry and ask for help if you are feeling overwhelmed or unsure of something regarding your application.
Getting into your dream university, whether it is Maastricht University, Bocconi, or the University of Amsterdam, is a goal worth working hard towards—though it is important to remember that the journey is as significant as the destination. The stress of university applications is a mutually shared experience, and while the stakes may feel high, the things you learn along the way stick with you for the rest of your life. Skills such as resilience, self-awareness, and determination. Everything will stay with you long after the letters of acceptance start rolling in. Good luck to all the S7 students currently getting started with the admissions processes!