A year ago, I navigated what felt like the most exasperating ordeal of my life—the college application process for my eldest son. If you haven’t yet had the joy of completing countless forms, writing recommendation letters, diving into scholarship applications, and tackling the notorious FAFSA, prepare yourself.
If you have a teenager, chances are you’ve been preparing for quite some time. I’m not merely referring to the typical teenage angst and mood swings; I’m speaking about the extreme, cutthroat atmosphere that has emerged in American high schools. It’s reached a level so absurd that after my second son graduates next year, I’m seriously contemplating homeschooling my younger children.
Why such drastic measures? Simply put, high school today is drastically different from what it used to be, and I’m grateful to have experienced it in the late ‘80s rather than now. If high schools don’t “chill out” soon, we might continue to see our kids grappling with overwhelming levels of stress and anxiety, which they will inevitably carry with them to college, often without the comfort of family support.
For instance, did you know that an 8.75 GPA exists? Yes, it does! High school grades are inflated, and a traditional A is no longer enough. If you earned an A in American History Honors and only received 4 points for it, you clearly haven’t maximized your schedule to collect the most GPA-boosting bonus points.
What used to be an exclusive club of honors classes for above-average students has morphed into a requirement for “average achievers,” while any student slightly above average must dive into AP or dual-enrollment courses. A high school transcript lacking six to eight AP classes simply does not meet today’s standards.
These inflated GPAs and packed class schedules aren’t just turning our high schoolers into resume-building machines. Students are graduating with a plethora of college credits from AP and dual-enrollment classes, which can be financially beneficial, but it forces 18-year-olds onto college campuses as juniors, where they must declare a major immediately. Making life-defining decisions at such a young age often leads to confusion and stress.
Moreover, high school athletics have become nearly indistinguishable from collegiate sports, with many institutions hiring full-time trainers and coaches. Practices occur daily, including weekends and mandatory summer sessions. The same trend applies to extracurricular activities, clubs, and student government, all demanding leadership, service, and unwavering commitment from kids aged 14 to 17. It’s no wonder our teenagers are feeling overwhelmed!
Just recently, I was approached by a new graduate asking for a letter of recommendation for her sorority rush. She sent over her resume, and I had to remind myself that she was only 18 years old. Her four-page resume was packed with achievements, awards, and scholarships, leaving me feeling inadequate. But then it struck me: Many of these overachievers will step onto college campuses completely burnt out.
I’ve witnessed this firsthand—overloaded high school students arrive at college only to take a four-year break from their relentless pursuits, trying to decompress from the pressures of perfectionism. This often leads to anxiety and depression, which can be particularly troubling when away from family, contributing to a troubling trend we see on campuses nationwide.
Interestingly, there’s a growing trend toward alternative high schools and homeschooling during those crucial years, which many families previously avoided due to more rigorous curriculums. With more state-funded online virtual schools and specialized magnet programs emerging, we may finally see a shift toward nurturing educational environments where teenagers can truly thrive, not just survive.
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In summary, the high school landscape has transformed dramatically, placing immense pressure on students to excel academically and socially. As a result, many are experiencing burnout before even entering college. A shift toward more supportive and less stressful educational options may be necessary to help our teenagers not just survive but flourish.