Can you relate? Or should I accept this?

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

<p>As a current high school senior, I feel restrained at school. When I was younger, I truly thought that in order to be happy, I would have to surround myself with high-achieving, straight A students, but how wrong was I? Instead, the years of academic rigor, high demands and pressure leads to overstress and rampant cheating amongst my peers. Faithful to the Horatio Alger stories, I used to think that hard work can get a person anywhere, but now, I've become a pessimist.</p>

<p>Although I am bothered by my classmates' behaviors, I cannot speak out against it. I have asked my friends personally on why they continue to cheat, but they rationalize that cheating secures their good grades. It's hard for me to tolerate, so I have drifted my once close friends, because I am upset about their actions. I was further agitated when a science teacher told me this year that "there was absolutely nothing to be done about cheating". </p>

<p>Test after test, I feel that my public high school is more about getting the grades rather than enjoying to analyze and apply the material that we learn. Therefore CC, I rant. I am sorry if I come off as childish or bitter in my complaint. </p>

<p>I would appreciate advice from posters who have finished high school or anyone willing to help me put things in a larger context.</p>

2

<p>Totally in your boat. I had a conversation with this kid who made up his entire common app essay and faked some extracurriculars. I told him that wasn’t right, and asked how he’d feel if I cheated on the SAT and did better than him. He just said “Uh, I’d ask you where you got the answer key and use it myself! If that’s what it takes to get into Harvard then why wouldn’t I?”</p>

<p>Long story short he got a 16 on the ACT. As completely obnoxious and frustrating as it is, everybody will get what’s coming to them.</p>

3

<p>Accept it. That’s kinda how high school goes. And there will some kids some kids like that in college, too, but also a hell of a lot more who are really interested in whatever their subject is.</p>

4

<p>things will catch up to them eventually. and i totally agree. there’s a lack of emphasis on learning but those who cheat are only cheating themselves, as cliche as that is.</p>