
Why the Cult of Achievement in Schools Is Making People Miserable
Plain English with Derek Thompson
00:00
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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