The expectation to get into a prestigious college, receive an amazing GPA, while actively participating in extracurricular activities is constantly stressing students out. This is described as Academic Pressure–an experience in which students are overwhelmed by the efforts spent to meet high demands in achieving certain results such as GPA, awards, and scholarships.
Students regardless of their nationality often receive pressure to become successful and have meaningful contributions to society. What are the causes underlying this issue?
Table of Contents
- 1. Examination
- 2. Family & Parental Pressure
- 3. Poor Stress & Time Management
- How To Manage Academic Pressure
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Related Contents
1. Examination
Because of its impacts in ensuring better career prospects, some students are expected to excel in doing exams because grades are considered to be the absolute measurement of their skills.
Therefore, examinations are one of the main sources of academic pressure. Research has shown that on average across OECD countries, “66% of students reported feeling stressed about poor grades and 59% reported that they often worry that taking a test will be difficult.”
Although standardized examinations are the mainstream method to evaluate students’ performance, there have been long-standing debates on whether this kind of assessment is still suitable until this day. Academic tests such as the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Test (ACT) are sometimes taken as the standard tests for college admission.
Instead of being something students are scared of taking, exams should be a tool for students to reflect on their abilities. This can foster children’s determination in achieving an attainable goal, thus not discouraging them from pursuing higher education.
If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”
Albert eistein
2. Family & Parental Pressure
It is common for parents to keep an eye on students’ performance at schools and encourage them to proactively enroll in the class. However, if they put too much burden and have an extreme intention that forces students to gain outstanding academic results on top of everything, this will be counter-effective.
Parents usually rank the success of their offspring by “how others are performing” instead of a true evaluation of their child’s strengths and weaknesses. This might lead to parents setting too high expectations for students’ results without caring about students’ actual improvement.
3. Poor Stress & Time Management
Students’ own anxiety and insufficient time management are underlying reasons why they find school is exhausting. Students who procrastinate and do not plan their schedules well are more likely to feel stressed out because of the rush deadlines and exams.
Furthermore, pressure can appear because some students set unrealistic goals for their academic achievement. Therefore, when they did not reach their goal, they might consider themselves to be incompetent and think in an even more negative and self-sabotage way than before they prepare for a test.
How To Manage Academic Pressure
At Project Sprouts, we advocate for changes in shaping a positive learning environment for students. In our next article, we will share some of our tips on how to manage pressure and help alleviate the severity of your stress.
You can read our article on Academic Pressure: Effects and Management by clicking here.
Project Sprouts would love to have you be a part of our community and help us help worthy children in North Vietnam. We cannot solve all the world’s problems, but we can do our part to help poor kids grow by giving school supplies, winter coats, boots, and other supplies.
You can find out more about Project Sprouts by clicking here or going to our give now page to donate by clicking here. As we are a grassroots organization, all funds help those in need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is academic pressure?
Academic pressure refers to the stress or strain experienced by students due to academic demands. This can stem from high expectations, workload, competition, and the desire to achieve high grades or degrees.
What are the main causes of academic pressure?
Key causes include high parental expectations, intense competition among peers, an overwhelming workload, the desire for high grades, and preparing for important tests or examinations.
How do parental expectations contribute to academic pressure?
Parental expectations can contribute significantly to academic pressure if they set very high or unrealistic academic goals for their children. Children may feel compelled to meet these expectations to gain parental approval, creating stress.
How does peer pressure cause academic stress?
Peer pressure can lead to academic stress as students may feel compelled to match or exceed the academic performance of their peers. This could lead to unhealthy competition and fear of judgement or rejection.
How does a heavy workload cause academic pressure?
A heavy workload can lead to academic pressure as students struggle to manage their time between schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and personal life. This can lead to stress, burnout, and reduced sleep.
Do standardized tests contribute to academic pressure?
Yes, standardized tests can contribute significantly to academic pressure. Students often feel stressed to perform well in these tests as their results could affect their future academic and career opportunities.
How does the fear of failure lead to academic pressure?
Fear of failure is a significant cause of academic pressure. Students may worry about the consequences of poor academic performance, such as not getting into a preferred university or disappointing their parents.
Does the education system contribute to academic pressure?
Yes, the education system can contribute to academic pressure. High-stakes testing, a rigid curriculum, and a focus on grades over learning can create a high-pressure environment for students.
Related Contents
3 Benefits Of Studying Abroad
Studying abroad—also known as overseas education—is a common term that indicates going to a foreign country to receive an education. Students usually go overseas to obtain K12 programs undergraduate or post-graduate degrees. Why do so many students aspire to study in a different nation? What makes studying abroad appealing to students?
You can read more by reading 3 Benefits Of Studying Abroad by clicking here.
