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What it says: Academic success can support mental health, but too much competition harms it, causing stress and anxiety.

Use in essay: To show that some competition is healthy, but excess leads to negative outcomes. Supports a balanced perspective.

Interview connection: Explains if a student says they feel pressure from grades or burnout. Matches what a counselor might say about needing emotional skills to cope.

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Concerned about student mental health? How wellness is related to academic achievement

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Supporting student mental health and well-being has become a priority for schools. This was the case even prior to the increased signs of child and youth mental health adversity in and after the pandemic.

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What it says: High schoolers see competition as both good and bad, but most describe it as stressful. Four main reactions: enjoy it, stress out, disengage, or downplay it.

Use in essay: Adds real student voices and shows that competition doesn’t affect everyone the same. Useful for patterns.

Interview connection: If a student describes loving or hating academic rivalry, it fits one of these four patterns.

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What it says: Taking some AP classes improves well-being, but too many leads to less sleep and high stress.

Use in essay: Shows that moderate challenge is okay, but overload is damaging. Good for data and graphs.

Interview connection: Useful if a student talks about being overwhelmed by APs or if a teacher discusses course load balance.

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What it says: In high-performing U.S. schools, over 70% of students report academic stress, many lose sleep or miss school from anxiety.

Use in essay: Strong evidence of widespread harm from academic pressure. Good for facts and serious tone.

Interview connection: Supports a counselor’s or student’s statements about school being exhausting or health-affecting.

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Easing the stress at pressure-cooker schools - Kappan Online

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Requiring students to conform to a narrow definition of success increases stress without improving learning. “I could add counselors all day, but it’s like adding lanes to a freeway. We need to know why there’s so much traffic.” – A high school principal working with Challenge Success After analyzing five years of district records showing […]

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What it says: Competition “poisons” learning, motivation, and relationships. Winning makes others lose, damaging mentally.

Use in essay: Philosophical angle against school competition. Use as counterpoint or to critique ranking systems.

Interview connection: Matches any student or counselor who says competition ruins enjoyment or causes self-worth issues.

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Some New Trier students carry calculators to compute their up-to-the minute GPAs. Is such pressure pushing kids over the edge?

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1. Competition Hurts Self-Worth and Motivation

"You aren't valued as much if you aren't doing as well."

Why it matters: Shows that academic competition can make students feel like they're worse than others, even when they try their best.

Use in my essay: Argue that competition creates a harmful environment where students equate their worth with grades.

Connects to: Alfie Kohn's and Challenge Success's points about self-esteem and student well-being.

2. Competition Can Both Motivate and Discourage

"It made me do better... though I dislike it... I've gotten better grades."

Why it matters: Gives a realistic, intricate view point, not completely bad but also not good.

Use in my essay: Acknowledge that competition can push some students to improve—but still carries emotional costs.

Connects to: The AP study by Xiong that shows moderate competition helps, but excess hurts.

3. Collaboration is More Supportive

"A collaborative environment is better… it feels like a group effort."

Why it matters: Offers a clear alternative to harmful competition.

Use in my essay: Suggest that schools should focus more on group learning and teacher involvement.

Connects to: Challenge Success’s advocacy for balance, and supports your interview with a teacher or counselor.

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1. Unhealthy Competition Can Lead to Serious Mental Health Issues

“It could be a range of symptoms... from a little anxiety to severe where they can barely function, even to the extent they could harm themselves.”

Why it matters: Shows the extreme mental health risks competition can cause if it becomes overwhelming.

Use in my essay: Argue that unchecked academic competition isn’t just stressful, it can lead to serious outcomes like depression, isolation, or self-harm.

Connects to: Challenge Success and APA sources on anxiety, and aligns with student testimony about lowered self-esteem and pressure to "be valued."

2. Healthy Competition = Competing With Yourself, Not Others

“Healthy competition is striving to be your very best… not the best in the class.”

Why it matters: Gives a clear definition of what kind of academic challenge is actually beneficial.

Use in my essay: Make a distinction between destructive peer competition and productive personal growth goals.

Connects to: Xiong’s research showing moderate pressure helps growth; aligns with the student’s answer about dual motivation.

3. Schools and Parents Must Watch for Red Flags

“Recognize the warning signs… isolating themselves, overly preoccupied with performance, or unable to focus.”

Why it matters: Offers concrete actions schools and families can take to reduce harm.

Use in my essay: Advocate for teacher and parent awareness, early intervention, and open dialogue to reduce academic stress.

Connects to: Challenge Success’s recommendations and the student’s point that school responses vary by teacher or home life.

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General Topic:
The essay explores how academic competition in U.S. school systems affects teenagers' mental health, motivation, and personal development.

Research Question:
How does academic competition in American schools impact the mental well-being, academic engagement, and social relationships of teenagers?