Competition plays an important role in academic achievement. It often pushes students to pursue excellence. College acceptance is competitive, so students who have worked hard to be at the top of their high school classes receive the reward of college admission.
Academic competition has its downfalls too. It leads to high stress and anxiety, especially in younger students who aren’t equipped to handle the pressure.
“In some classes there’s more of a push to do your best and in others there isn’t, but I like it.” Freshman Cambria Collins said.
Students don’t only compete in the classroom, they also compete in sports. According to a study done in November 2012 by Ryan Stegall, students who compete in sports do better at school. Those who participate in athletics have a higher average GPA than those who do not participate.
“I like to compete and be the best, that’s why I do sports. I also like to be the best in the classroom so I try really hard to get good grades,” junior Grayce Hueske said. Student in music also get better grades and better overall attendance.
Junior Macie Clawson said, “I try to focus and sing as best I can and prove I’m a good singer.”
Competition affects students differently. Some crack under the pressure, others turn into diamonds. Some students feel so much pressure to succeed at academic competitions that they put everything else on hold. Either way, competition has it’s positive and negative effects.
“I think that having a little competition in academics is good because it pushes you to be the best and the smartest,” junior Hoai Vu said.
