Finals, college applications, and the constant push to stay ahead have become a normal part of high school life at Bellarmine. Students know just how much work goes into being seen as “college-ready.” From advanced classes and packed schedules to clubs, sports, and service hours, the pressure adds up quickly. And while some of it is helpful, the nonstop expectations can take a serious toll on students.
“You need to do a sport. You need to be in advanced classes. You need to join a club. You need to participate in service projects. You need to build your resume.
Students in college preparatory schools constantly hear these words. To get into competitive colleges, students are expected to balance AP and Honors classes, extracurriculars, and responsibilities outside of school, all while maintaining friendships and completing hours of homework each night. What starts as motivation can turn into pressure very quickly.
For many students, the stress doesn’t end when the final bell rings. Even a question as simple as, “Did you do your homework?” can cause anxiety, not because of the assignment itself, but because of the fear of falling behind.
High school has increasingly turned into an audition for college. Students are encouraged to start planning early, build strong resumes, and choose activities based on how they will appear to admissions officers. Instead of exploring interests naturally, many students feel pushed to constantly prove themselves.
Senior Anna Shimshock shares her opinion saying, “There is a standard to take hard classes, but I feel it leads to caring much more about how you look on an application instead of really understanding the concepts of what you’re learning.”
At the same time, prep schools can give students advantages that many public schools can’t offer. They can offer smaller class sizes, college-focused resources, and advanced coursework help students prepare for the demands of higher education. Many graduate feeling confident in their academic abilities and comfortable with intense workloads.
What is often overlooked is that colleges do not expect perfection. Many admissions officers look for balance, depth, and authenticity over workload. However, that message is often drowned out by the belief that doing more is always better. As conversations about college continue to dominate high school culture, it may be time to rethink what readiness really means.
