Navigating the college application process for my eldest child last year was one of the most exasperating experiences I’ve ever faced. If you’ve yet to endure the chaos of completing endless forms, recommendation letters, scholarship applications, and the notorious FAFSA, prepare yourself. If you’re a parent of a high schooler, you’ve likely been bracing for this storm for several years now. But I’m not just talking about the typical teenage angst; I’m referring to the overwhelming, hyper-competitive environment that has taken over American high schools.
In light of this experience, I’m seriously considering homeschooling my younger children after my next son graduates. Why, you may ask? High school today is a far cry from what it once was, and I am grateful to have experienced it in the late ’80s. If high schools don’t take a step back soon, we will continue to witness an alarming rise in stress and anxiety among teens, which they will carry with them into college, often without the support of family.
For instance, did you know there is now an 8.75 GPA? That’s right; the grading system has ballooned to extraordinary levels. Earning an A in an Honors American History class used to yield 4 points, but today, students are encouraged to load their schedules with advanced courses to maximize their GPA. Honors classes, once the domain of high achievers, are now filled with average students, while those who are even slightly above average are expected to enroll in AP or dual-enrollment courses. A high school transcript lacking six to eight AP classes simply doesn’t measure up anymore.
Furthermore, today’s high school students are graduating with a multitude of college credits, thanks to AP and dual-enrollment courses. This may seem beneficial, but it leads to 18-year-olds stepping onto college campuses with the pressure to declare a major right away. Making life-altering decisions at such a young age often leads to confusion and dissatisfaction.
It’s not just the academic pressure that has escalated; high school athletics have evolved into near-college-level programs. Many schools now employ full-time trainers and specialized coaches, actively recruiting student-athletes and offering tuition credits to top performers. Practices now occur daily, including weekends, leaving little room for downtime.
Extracurricular activities, clubs, and student government initiatives follow suit, demanding leadership, community service, fundraising, and innovation, all with obligatory commitments from 14 to 17-year-olds. It’s no wonder our teenagers are feeling overwhelmed and fatigued.
Recently, a high school graduate asked me to write a letter of recommendation for her college sorority rush. As I read her four-page resume filled with awards, honors, and scholarships, I was struck by the fact that she is just 18 years old. It left me feeling inadequate and made me realize that many high-achieving students like her may arrive at college utterly burnt out.
I have witnessed this phenomenon where overachieving students enter college only to take a long break, overwhelmed by societal expectations to be “perfect.” This often leads to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, especially when they are away from their families—an epidemic we are seeing in colleges nationwide.
Given the increasing trend towards alternative high schools and homeschooling, perhaps we’ll see a shift towards nurturing rather than overburdening our teenagers. With more state-funded online virtual school options and the rise of vocational programs, there’s hope for a more balanced educational experience.
For those interested in family planning, exploring options like an at-home insemination kit can be beneficial. You can find more information about this topic in our post on the at-home insemination kit. Additionally, if you’re looking for comprehensive resources on pregnancy, the Wikipedia page on in vitro fertilisation is an excellent reference. For a more specialized tool, check out the BabyMaker at-home insemination kit for additional guidance.
Summary
High school today has become an environment of excessive competition and stress, leading many students to feel burnt out by the time they reach college. The escalating demands not only in academics but also in athletics and extracurricular activities leave little room for relaxation. As parents, we must consider alternative educational routes that prioritize our children’s well-being and mental health.
Leave a Reply