Is it all really worth it?

Pre-College Issues High School Life
21

<p>It depends. If you are naturally an top academic person, who enjoys learning, studying, researching, etc, then it is worth it to aim for the best universities (and I mean best for you, it might be hpys, might not). </p>

<p>If you are a scrub, then you shouldn't kill yourself trying to match the work of the aforementioned group of natural academic stars. A lot of valedictorians are scrubs who slave away. They get their HPYS but it kills their HS experience to do so - not worth it. YOu should only do it if you feel it comes naturally and fulfills some inner calling - and if you can do it without killing your life. Then it is worth it. </p>

<p>Its a honest form of the hackneyed "be who you are." It's not worth the effort to play a role and be who you arent. Top colleges aren't for everyone.</p>

22

<p>In my father's words it's been "a foregone conclusion" that I would go to college since birth. I just never thought that I would do anything differently. My mother went to an Ivy League school, my father to an HBCU, so since I really personally dislike the idea of an HBCU, all that's left for me is the Ivies.</p>

<p>JK, I'm not really that into the Ivies in comparison to other schools.</p>

23

<p>I really agree with Nick017.</p>

<p>And parents have to acknowledge things like that and stop pushing their kids so hard if they're just not meant to excel in that manner. It's not the only way to excel, and in my opinion, it certainly isn't the best way to excel.</p>

24

<p>Nick, exactly! I'm definitely believe in hard work. I just think people get stuck on on these rungs of success that they thing will bring them success and happiness, when what they (we) need to be doing is following our passions.</p>

25

<p>I personally would be perfectly fine living the rest of my life in a shack with enough waitressing and other odd jobs to keep me living and writing poetry on the side. I honestly would not mind. And that does not require a degree, but I'm getting one anyway.</p>

26

<p>I really like the ideas in this thread and all and I totally agree, but as soon as we switch of f CC, we will simply return to our worlds of overachieving, outperforming, and overstressing.</p>

27

<p>I'm starting to wonder the same things and feel burned out, but I'm just a sophomore :(</p>

<p>My goal is to work in business, Wall Street, so I need to go to good school, good MBA, etc...</p>

<p>But I'd also like to be a Coast Guard Officer, and fly Search and Rescue. </p>

<p>And my friends who don't care as much about their grades seem to be much more happier in life that I am.</p>

28

<p>
[quote]
Is it all really worth it?

[/quote]
</p>

<p>


 Of course it is

, isn't that the only reason we live? lawl</p>

29

<p>yes, it is worth it!</p>

30

<p>so then what is happiness? What is this 'light at the end of the road' that everybody is working towards? And can not going to a prestigious school prevent you from achieving it? I mean, this is what we, as humans, strive, isn't it?</p>

31

<p>no, it's not actually getting it. it's being excited about it and working as hard as we can to get it. it's the PROCESS, not the OUTCOME.</p>