Plain English with Derek Thompson cover image

Why the Cult of Achievement in Schools Is Making People Miserable

Plain English with Derek Thompson

CHAPTER

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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