I felt like a total fraud today. You know the feeling — like you’re just pretending to be good at what you do, and it’s only a matter of time before people realize you’ve been faking it the whole time.

That’s imposter syndrome. If you’re a college student, you’ve probably experienced it at least once. While some universities may carry more prestige than others, imposter syndrome can affect students at any institution, from community colleges to Big Ten universities like the University of Iowa.

Imposter syndrome is more common than you might think. It’s the persistent feeling that you don’t deserve your accomplishments or success, no matter how well you’re doing. You could be acing your classes, landing great internships, or excelling in extracurricular activities, but deep down, you still feel like you’re fooling everyone around you.

Here at the UI, students in classrooms, dorms, and workplaces struggle with imposter syndrome, despite appearing to have it all together. Behind the scenes, they battle self-doubt, convinced they’ve only succeeded due to luck or timing. These feelings can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and even burnout if not addressed.

So, how did we get here, and more importantly, what can we do about it?

The academic environment at the UI plays a significant role in the rise of imposter syndrome. Being in a competitive, high-achieving setting where everyone seems to excel can make even the most successful students question their abilities. From scholarship programs to honors classes, the pressure to constantly outperform peers can lead to feelings of inadequacy.

It’s not just the academic setting that contributes to this. The university’s high-achieving culture can make students feel like they need to constantly be in tune to impress professors, classmates, or future employers.

According to a study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, students at prestigious universities are more likely to experience imposter syndrome due to the competitive atmosphere. The UI, ranked No. 93 in national universities by U.S. News & World Report, is no exception, with students often feeling the pressure of high expectations.

Students frequently measure themselves against others, which can make them feel like they’re falling short, even when they’re doing well. The American Psychological Association reports that college students experiencing imposter syndrome often believe their success is due to external factors, like luck, rather than their intelligence or hard work. This creates a cycle of self-doubt that’s hard to break.

Social media only exacerbates this issue. Platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn are filled with posts showcasing peers’ internships, awards, and seemingly perfect lives. These polished snapshots create a false narrative that everyone else has their life figured out, making students feel inadequate.

But here’s the truth: Social media doesn’t show the setbacks, failures, or hard work that often precede success. Whether it’s the pressure to maintain high grades or the desire to stand out in a sea of talented peers, the struggle is real.

So, how can students at the UI — or anywhere, for that matter — start to tackle imposter syndrome?

One key step is promoting transparency. We need to be more open about the fact that everyone struggles, even the people who seem to have it all together. By creating a campus culture where it’s normal to talk about failure and the less glamorous parts of success, we can help students realize they’re not alone.

The UI already has resources like Counseling Services and wellness workshops, but it’s crucial to spread the word that these exist for everyone, not just students in crisis. A stronger focus on peer mentorship programs, where older students guide younger ones through challenges, could also make a difference. Hearing from someone who’s been in their shoes can help students feel less isolated.

A study by the National Library of Medicine suggests that self-reflection exercises are one of the best ways to combat imposter syndrome. Regularly taking a moment to acknowledge your achievements — and remind yourself that you earned them — can help break the cycle of self-doubt. Keeping a journal of accomplishments, no matter how small, can serve as a reminder that you are capable and deserve your success.

Feeling like an imposter doesn’t mean you are one. It’s time we stop letting these doubts control us. At the end of the day, we’re all here because we’ve earned it.