A year ago, I navigated what can only be described as one of the most exasperating experiences of my life — the college application process for my eldest child. If you haven’t yet experienced the joy of tackling 500 forms, gathering recommendation letters, applying for scholarships, and wrestling with the notorious FAFSA, prepare yourself for a wild ride.
If you have a teen in high school, you’ve probably felt the anxiety creep in over the last few years. I’m not referring to the typical teenage angst; I’m talking about the absurdly competitive atmosphere that has enveloped American high schools. It’s become so intense that I’m seriously contemplating homeschooling my younger children once my second son finishes high school next year.
Why the shift? High school today is a far cry from what it was in the late ’80s when I attended. Honestly, if high schools don’t start to CTFD (Calm The Frick Down) soon, we’ll continue to witness our teens struggling with overwhelming stress and anxiety, which they will inevitably carry with them into college — and without the comfort of family support.
For instance, did you know that an 8.75 GPA is now a thing? That’s right! Everything in high school has been super-sized, including grades. Scoring an A in American History Honors no longer simply earns you four points. You need to structure your entire schedule around maximizing those GPA bonus points.
Once upon a time, honors classes were intended for the genuinely exceptional students. Today, they cater to those merely meeting average expectations, while anyone remotely above-average is expected to take AP or dual-enrollment courses. A high school transcript without at least six AP classes just won’t cut it anymore.
But it’s not just inflated GPAs that are reshaping our students into resume-filling machines. Many high schoolers are graduating with a slew of college credits thanks to AP and DE classes. This can be a financial advantage, yet it places 18-year-olds on college campuses as if they were juniors, forcing them to declare majors before they’ve even settled in. Making life-altering decisions at such a young age often leads to challenges down the line.
Moreover, the landscape of high school athletics has morphed into something akin to collegiate sports, with schools hiring full-time trainers and coaches who don’t moonlight as driving instructors. Some schools even recruit student-athletes, and private institutions offer tuition incentives for their standout players. Daily practices, weekend commitments, and mandatory summer training are now the norm.
Extracurriculars, clubs, and student governments are equally demanding, pushing leadership, service, and fundraising with strict attendance and project requirements. Is it any wonder our teenagers feel so exhausted?
Recently, a fresh high school grad asked me to write her a letter of recommendation for sorority rush, sending over her impressive four-page resume. As I read through her countless accolades, awards, and scholarships, I had to remind myself that she was just 18 years old! It struck me that many students like her, who have spent the last four years achieving at an insane pace, might step onto campus already burned out.
I’ve witnessed this phenomenon firsthand. Overachieving high schoolers often arrive at college ready to crash for four years, attempting to escape the burdens of societal expectations. Others strive to maintain their hectic schedules, only to grapple with anxiety and depression — a troubling reality many college students face, especially away from their support systems.
Interestingly, there’s a growing trend towards alternative high schools and homeschooling during these crucial years. Previously, homeschooling was avoided due to concerns about rigorous curriculums, but with more state-funded online options and specialized programs available, we might see a meaningful shift that nurtures our teenagers rather than stifles them.
If you’re curious about other topics related to parenting, check out our blog post on home insemination kits, which can provide valuable information for those considering this route. And for more insight into pregnancy and home insemination, the resource at womenshealth.gov/pregnancy is an excellent starting point.
In summary, today’s high school environment is a pressure cooker of expectations, leading many students to burnout before they even set foot on college campuses. As we explore alternative educational options, it’s crucial to prioritize our teens’ mental health and well-being, ensuring they thrive rather than simply survive.