Self-Efficacy

How you respond in stressful situations

There are many things that will help you to be successful in college: your effort, the people around you, and how you respond to challenging situations. But perhaps the most important thing to have is a belief in yourself.

You are enrolled in college based on everything you’ve achieved thus far in your life already, which is impressive! Additionally, your college or university would not have accepted you if they did not think you could be successful.

A belief in yourself is what is called a “necessary, but not sufficient” condition for success. Just having Self-Efficacy won’t get you to your goal, but you can’t get there without it. Throughout your studies, continue to reflect on what you’ve achieved and the supportive people around you to help drive toward your next accomplishment.

I don’t like to gamble, but if there’s one thing I’m willing to bet on, it’s myself.
Beyoncé

How can I improve my Self-Efficacy?

Resources at Montclair State

Academic Advising helps students create a personalized approach that will help them achieve their personal and academic goals.
CAPS provides free, voluntary services to all students including short term individual counseling, a variety of weekly therapy and support groups, consultations, psychiatry services and referral assistance to providers off-campus.
Office of Student Belonging promotes cohort-based experiences that promote a strong connection and sense of belonging to the university.
Career Services assist students with all aspects of their professional development from resume writing to helping students explore career paths that align with their interests, values, and goals. Career Services provide self-assessments, access to Handshake (job and internship search portal), workshops, and opportunities to network with hiring employers seeking to fill jobs and internships.
Feliciano Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation has built an innovative, inclusive and supportive community to help ANY student who is looking to launch or grow their idea or business or who wants to cultivate a more entrepreneurial mindset.
Disability Resource Center assists in receiving the accommodations and services necessary to equalize access. The DRC provides assistance to students with physical, sensory, learning, psychological, neurological, and chronic medical disabilities.‌
Center for Writing Excellence (CWE) offers in-person and online appointments for every type of writing, workshops, and various online resources. The CWE fosters confidence, independence, and self-efficacy with short- and long-term goals.

Online Resources

When you’re not feeling confident, try writing a letter to yourself one year in the future. You can find some interesting examples here.
If you’d like some quick boosts of confidence, try an app that can send daily affirmations to your phone:
For a more intentional and intensive approach to your self-perceptions, Coursera offers free courses on personal development.