Plain English with Derek Thompson cover image

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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