Have you ever felt an immense amount of pressure and stress over your grades? If so, you are definitely not alone. A poll done by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America revealed that 80% of U.S. students often feel extremely stressed, while 34% admit to feeling depressed. Yes, this is the world we now live in. This should not be normalized, and a change needs to be made.

Many believe that academic statistics are just a bunch of numbers, but grades can be very harmful to students. Many students use grades as a form of validation, which can be extremely unhealthy. Eventually, consistently checking grades and emotionally relying on them can become addicting and mentally deteriorating. The majority of high school students have plans of going to college; with low grades, the possibilities are way more limited than to those obtaining better grades and GPAs.

An interview with high school student Katie Rittger reveals the reality of high school students’ lives. Katie discusses how her grades constantly weigh in on her mood and, since beginning high school, it commonly affects her attitude negatively. The hardest part for Katie is comparison to others, which she feels from her parents, teachers, and fellow students. Another difficulty Katie has in school is when the results don’t always match up to the effort she gives.

A conversation I had with sophomore Alexis Oliveira describes school stress as a snowball effect. First, you have a small snowball (for example, the stress of one class,) so you don’t think much of it. Eventually, that snowball is rolled in more snow (stress developing in multiple classes) until there’s so much snow you can’t hold it up anymore. and it causes the snow to fall apart. The snowball effect is something widespread among high school students, and it has negatively impacted many students.

Clearly, this is a recurring problem. So, how can we fix it? A piece of advice I received from the current high schooler previously mentioned, Katie, has made my high school experience a little easier. Katie explained to me, “Your best isn’t ever going to be perfect.” I admired the quote because it is so true. Doing your best may never be perfect to others, but to you, it could be the best you have ever done. Everybody’s definition of “perfect” will always be different, so you should never try to change yourself to fit other people’s “requirements.”

Additional advice I received from other high school students is that a number in the grade book should never define or control your happiness. If you let something as little as a grade impact your well-being on a daily basis, you will most likely leave high school with many regrets. One thing I have always believed in is if you put your all in, whatever you receive from it should be something you are proud of. If you gave 100% effort then it doesn’t matter what number you got from it, but what you learned and how you gave 100% effort.

Another important thing that I have heard from multiple students is that asking for help in no way makes you weak. In my opinion, asking for help makes you stronger. It proves that you are attempting to make yourself better, and trying to make a change. Asking for help is something many have difficulty doing, but once you have gotten the necessary help you will guarantee to feel way better than before. So if you ever have any problems it is a productive idea to get help from a teacher, guidance counselor, or anybody you believe can help you.

In 2022, Academic Pressure on high school students skyrocketed and reached unimaginable levels, which has put many students in unhealthy and even dangerous situations. It is important for all students to know that their worth is not determined by a number, and there are many ways to relieve some of this school-related stress. Grades create stress on most students, and a change needs to be made.