> It's very easy to think that you're a failure if you don't know exactly who you are and what you want to be at age 17
I'm 26 (almost 27, so let's say 27) and I think this echoes my experience fairly well. I felt like a failure because I didn't get into the top schools for undergrad even though I struggled so hard and objectively had good stats that I (at the time) thought would've made me a compelling/competitive applicant. Varsity athlete, played instrument, loads of APs and top of my class, yadayadayadayadayada.
I think the evolution of the college application process and the perpetual rising bar has definitely affected teens mental health. Anecdotal but I experienced pressure to do well from peers, the school, and my own family.
I'm 26 (almost 27, so let's say 27) and I think this echoes my experience fairly well. I felt like a failure because I didn't get into the top schools for undergrad even though I struggled so hard and objectively had good stats that I (at the time) thought would've made me a compelling/competitive applicant. Varsity athlete, played instrument, loads of APs and top of my class, yadayadayadayadayada.
I think the evolution of the college application process and the perpetual rising bar has definitely affected teens mental health. Anecdotal but I experienced pressure to do well from peers, the school, and my own family.