<p>Please, please read this piece, from the head of Harvard admissions - on the Harvard admissions site. It describes the intense way in which many competitive students grew up, the crisis many feel once on campus, help available, and ideas for problem-solving, including time off. However, I think previous posts make a really good point that you are working under some misconceptions and can make some changes while staying where you are, if time off is not practical for you. Stop competing, start enjoying!</p>
<p>One sentence:</p>
<p>"It is common to encounter even the most successful students, who have won all the “prizes,” stepping back and wondering if it was all worth it.</p>
<p>Whole essay:</p>
<p>[Harvard</a> College Admissions § Applying: Taking Time Off](<a href=“http://www.admissions.college.harvard.edu/apply/time_off/index.html]Harvard”>http://www.admissions.college.harvard.edu/apply/time_off/index.html)</p>