High school is an important point in life where adolescents begin to develop critical academic, personal and social skills. This period in students’ lives gives them the opportunity and resources to prepare for their future and become the best version of themselves. However, it can feel more like constant pressure than meaningful growth. It is important that students are aware of the distinction between preparation and pressure, but for many, the difference is often unclear.
Preparation at school is a process that gives students the chance to grow and learn new skills by trying different classes and figuring out which subjects they enjoy most. It allows room for mistakes, changes in direction and healthy uncertainty. This process should not only leave students with a better understanding of themselves, but also build adaptability, problem-solving skills and resilience when plans don’t go as expected.
Contrarily, pressure does the opposite. Students often feel pressure become increasingly prevalent in their lives due to the fast-paced work environment, and decisions that begin to feel permanent in high school. For example, students are expected to choose their classes without knowing much about their future interests or the course. Instead of trial and error, it can feel like you have to get it right the first time. Once you choose a path, it can be hard to change it without feeling like you’re falling behind other students.
Due to this lack of flexibility, choosing classes can start to make students feel like they have to make the “right” decision to set them up for their future. When every choice feels like it matters too much, students begin to prioritize what looks good on a college application rather than exploring the subjects they have a genuine interest in.
This not only weakens individuality in school, but takes away opportunities of exploration from students. This is where preparation turns into pressure.
It is unrealistic for students to know midway through the school year what classes they want to take for the following year. It prevents students from having a chance to figure out their present selves as it can lead to them focusing too much on the future. High school should be a place where students are allowed to explore possible career paths, without the fear of falling behind.
According to a study by Common Sense Media from Oct. 2024, 56% of American teens feel pressure to have their future life path figured out in high school.
Although Redwood is focused on preparing students for the future, the pace and pressure can make the experience feel rushed rather than meaningful. Having a set plan for the future has become an expectation instead of a process of trial and error.
Students who don’t have a plan can feel like they are falling behind, and students who change their minds are seen as unfocused. Meanwhile the ones who confidently know what they want to do are typically viewed as motivated and dedicated regardless if they are making a decision that is based on pressure.
According to a College Board study from 2025, 79% of high school students have the opportunity to take Advanced Placement (AP) classes with the idea that it will help them get into college. While colleges do look at the difficulty of the classes you take, this alone should not be the determining factor in students’ class choices.
If schools truly want to prepare students, they need to create more space for exploration and curiosity. This can be done by making it easier for students to switch out of classes, encouraging students to try new subjects and shifting the focus away from getting everything “right” the first time.
Preparation should help students grow into their future, not rush them into it. This change could be possible if we recognize the pressure for what it is and make an effort to give students more time and patience when deciding their classes.
