<p>It is not a crime to finish in the middle of the pack at HYP, or even, heaven forbid, in the bottom half of the class. You are among many of the best and brightest and are so yourself. If you desire to compete for No.1, then fine, but you do not have to. Only one person in your class will be first. That does not make everyone else a “loser” though Americans like to think and talk that way, and many parents seem to think so. </p>
<p>My stepfather used to put that kind of pressure on me back in the day - winners and losers and nobody cares about No. 2, etc. While being “the best” is an honor worth recognizing, it is impossible for everyone to reach that goal. I resolved to do my best and stop worrying about being the best, and to let the chips fall. However, my stepfather was right, and I am now a derelict street person. 
That was an attempt at humor, something that is good to experience frequently as the pressure mounts. Laughter may not be the best medicine, but can be pretty effective in managing tough times.</p>
<p>Doing your best is still a very high standard that still requires a lot of drive to try fulfill - but it is more manageable than a quixotic quest to be the best. And, for one person in every class, doing their best will put them in the position of being “the best.” Changing your focus to an internal standard that you have some control over rather than an external standard that you cannot control is not necessarily giving up that quest if you deem it important and potentially attainable.</p>
<p>Seeking counseling is not a sign of weakness, it is using available resources wisely. In a sense you are already doing that by posting here for feedback, but there are probably better resources on campus - no disrespect to any fellow posters intended. You are clearly a remarkable young person who should be proud of what you have done so far. Counseling may help you gain perspective on what you have done and what you wish to do. </p>
<p>The time off advice is also quite sound. I regret going straight through college and then law school and then the work world with no break. I am advising my kids not to go straight through without breaks from the grind to experience the world (on the cheap).</p>