College is a time of significant transition in an individual’s life. Especially if you are moving away to school, you may be experiencing a whole host of emotions. Once the semester begins, new students may sometimes feel what is commonly deemed “imposter syndrome.” People who struggle with imposter syndrome often believe they are unworthy of their achievements. They believe they are not as smart or competent as their peers perceive them–and that soon enough those around them will ultimately uncover their inadequacy. In this blog post, we will talk more about what causes imposter syndrome, why it is a common experience for college students, and how to cope with these complicated emotions. 
What Causes Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome can lead a person to repeatedly experience thoughts and feelings of inadequacy– even though there is often sufficient evidence to believe otherwise. While there is not one sole cause of imposter syndrome, many researchers believe that family dynamics and early learned roles can contribute to these feelings.When an individual’s self worth has historically been tied to what they know (ie: excelling in school), one can feel as though their identity is being threatened or that they will be “found out” if they do not know enough.
This is just one reason why imposter syndrome is a common experience for college students. Entering a new environment and being surrounded by new people presents novel challenges and a strong sense of the unknown. These feelings of self doubt may prevent you from fully engaging in the classroom –or worse, make you feel as though you don’t belong there in the first place.
You may have imposter syndrome if you experience some of the following:
- Worrying about how much others think about you
- Focusing solely on your shortcomings and not celebrating your successes
- Increased stress and anxiety for no clear reason
- Worrying that others will view you as a fraud, even if you have no evidence to support that claim
While imposter syndrome may make you feel like a fraud, or undeserving of your achievements, there are ways to cope with these feelings. Below are just a few strategies you can use to tackle imposter syndrome:
- Celebrate your successes. Even if it is only a small win, taking time to applaud yourself can help you internalize your successes and build confidence.
- Break out of your comfort zone. Don’t let imposter syndrome prevent you from achieving your goals. While it may feel more comfortable to continue the same habits and behaviors, this will only make you feel stuck.
- Open up. Secrecy and shame will only make your imposter syndrome feel more intense. Sharing your feelings of self doubt with those you trust, or a licensed professional, can make you feel less alone.
- Keep a daily log. Keeping a record of small successes and achievements is just one way to build your confidence and provide you with positive evidence of your accomplishments.
New Perspective Counseling is Here to Help
Imposter syndrome affects everyone differently, and sometimes the most effective treatment may be speaking with a licensed professional. At New Perspective Counseling, we will develop an approach that is tailored to your unique needs and goals. Therapy can help you uncover thoughts and issues that are contributing to your feelings of imposter syndrome, and help you identify distressing symptoms that may be keeping you stuck. By taking the time to understand all the ways imposter syndrome is affecting your life you can foster greater calm and confidence. Learn more about how to cope by visiting our website.