
Why the Cult of Achievement in Schools Is Making People Miserable
Plain English with Derek Thompson
The Rise of Academic Anxiety
This chapter explores the increasing anxiety levels among teenagers, particularly within upper middle-class families, regarding school performance and college admissions. It discusses the impact of the pandemic on student truancy and the heightened pressure to excel in a competitive academic environment. Additionally, the chapter critiques the evolving college admission process and the mixed messages students receive, contributing to rising stress and burnout.
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