Success or Sanity

Chaerin Kang
7 days ago
4 min read

By Srihita Madiraju Nov. 12, 2025

The clock reads two-thirty in the morning. A half finished practice test, an unopened Quizlet and an unrevised essay glare through the computer screen beside drained energy drink cans. The following week, just like any other, brings multiple AP assessments, project due dates, college application deadlines, extracurricular commitments and sports practices while running on excess amounts of caffeine and an absence of sleep. Although the routine appears harrowing, it simply represents a moment in the life of many high-achieving high school students today.

On the surface, it may seem reasonable to associate academic pressure with increased motivation and drive. In fact, sacrificing a social life and hobbies for academics is often glorified at competitive schools—Leland being an example—where many students feel respect is defined by the college they end up at.

However, although this level of pressure is often due to increased resources for students to challenge themselves and pursue success, it primarily contributes to the deterioration of students’ well being rather than an improvement in academic performance.

“In my experience, academic pressure turns dangerous when the forces causing it stem from reasons that are not about satisfying oneself, but are instead about trying to meet unrealistic standards just to please others. Unfortunately, many students today put in work with the driving force being external validation and this is where the bad mental health and eventual burnout appear,” Dr. Lesther Papa, assistant professor of Psychology at San Jose State University said.

Academic pressure acts as a poison in students’ lives, spreading from one student to another through fearmongering and comparison. The daunting threat of students being unable to meet internal and external expectations haunts many, exacerbated by fixation with receiving admission to top universities. Each year, college admissions grow more cutthroat—the average admitted capped GPA range at most University of California campuses is close to 4.0 or above, implying that a near perfect academic record is no longer considered extraordinary. Millions of students worldwide compete to stand out from one another regarding their stellar grades, extracurriculars, test scores and other achievements in order to be considered compelling applicants, but the strenuous competition ends up taking a toll on students’ well being.

Toxic academic pressure does not only spread from one student to another—many students today find themselves trapped under parental pressure. Dr. Papa explains that a large factor of academic stress is from families who imply their love for their children is contingent on their academic success, placing a large weight on the shoulders of these students.

This chronic stress and pressure is a key contributor to mental health issues in adolescents. Issues such as

depression and anxiety are increasingly occurring due to stress in these age groups and a study conducted at Shandong National University’s school of psychology demonstrates a positive association between academic pressure and a resulting mental health outcome.

“In my experience, academic pressure tends to foster competition between students, causing feelings of inferiority, especially because we are constantly being told that we are not enough. The standards we are required to meet result in constant attempts to prove ourselves to each other. The motivation that may result from this pressure comes from a place of toxicity,” Sophomore Ranvijay Sinha said.

Burnout is another adverse result of academic pressure. When a student can no longer function under a constant state of pressure they face persistent emotional and physical exhaustion. According to a survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, over half of high school students are regularly labeled as stressed or burnt out. This statistic does not indicate the “motivation” that arises from academic pressure.

“When I began facing academic pressure it did not result in motivation; I am constantly in a state of stress and anxiety for the future and I am made to feel like I must be ‘perfect’ when I begin applying to colleges in order to even be considered as an applicant. The pressure often leaves me feeling hopeless and resigned, as no matter how much hard work I do, I feel I will not be good enough,” Senior Ava Niya said.

Although the pressure students face can be overwhelming, it is essential to prioritize avoiding basing self worth off of academic performance and external validation..

“Unfortunately, a large demographic of students work hard purely out of fear. When academic pressure is internal and comes from within rather than a forceful push from external sources, students will find success and satisfaction. It is essential to commit and dedicate to things that evoke passion and interest rather than things that simply just please others,” Dr. Papa said.

Motivation is not defined by exhaustion and should not arise at the cost of students’ mental health. A shift in perspective is required to battle the pressure students are being haunted by. If they continue being a part of desperate chase for perfection and validation, the cycle of burnout will continue and worsen as time passes. Instead, students should be encouraged to spend time doing what they love and seek internal satisfaction from learning.

About the Contributors

Srihita Madiraju

Staff Writer

Srihita Madiraju is a senior at Leland High School and a staff writer for The Charger Account. When she isn't busy lifeguarding she loves going to the beach with her friends, going on long walks, and reading.