Dear Third, Fourth, and Fifth Formers,
Over the next few years, you will go through life more stressed than you’ve probably ever been. I know because I’ve just finished this phase myself, and I can say, without a shadow of a doubt, that the added pressure to succeed causes more harm than good.
You’ve probably already begun to think about college when planning activities or choosing clubs. In fact, almost half the kids in the country try to do well in school solely for college admissions. That’s no way to live.
I spent all four years of high school life either playing hockey or studying, and it nearly drove me crazy. I’m not alone in this experience either, as most of our generation put school, sports, and résumé padding above enjoying life and school. It’s painful to see.
Having just experienced one of the worst college admissions years in history, with over 95% of applicants getting rejected at some schools, I regret not spending my time more wisely doing what I enjoy.
So many students from my generation gave up their happiness, their sanity, and their health just for college admissions. This isn’t how admissions should work.
College has already taken thousands of hours from our lives; you shouldn’t be expected to do the same. You can be the kids who fight against this broken system, who choose to do what you enjoy, rather than what looks best on a résumé.
Go do something stupid because it’s fun. Go explore the world or play video games all weekend. Spend time enjoying nature or something, but spend your time how you want to spend it, not how you think an admissions officer would want you to spend it.
All of this isn’t to say college is terrible or that you shouldn’t try in school.
All of this is to say that you have a choice.
You should choose to go to college because you want to learn and continue school, not because you’re expected to go or because all of your friends are going. At the end of the day, college is only what you make of it.
College isn’t meant for everybody. The only thing that truly matters is that you find what brings you joy, grab hold with both hands, and hold on for dear life.
Wishing you luck,
Andrew Bradley ’24
