Students Under Too Much Academic Pressure

For a lot of high school students, school is no longer just about learning. It has become a constant cycle of tests, homework, and a lot of pressure to keep grades high. Students today are expected to balance sports, difficult classes, jobs, and family responsibilities while still getting enough sleep and planning for college and the future. Because of this, many students feel mentally exhausted and overwhelmed. 

Research shows that this stress is becoming a serious issue. According to the American Psychological Association, 56% of teens say homework is one of their biggest sources of stress. A 2024 report from Brainly also found that nearly half of high school students expect at least two hours of homework every night. On top of that, a 2024 study published in Child Psychiatry and Human Development explained that academic stress is especially common in high school and often gets worse as students get older and face more important exams.

Students say one of the biggest causes of stress is the pressure to succeed. Nutley High sophomore  Juliana Beqo said that keeping up with assignments while trying to maintain good grades can feel "draining and nonstop.” She explained that many students feel like one bad grade can ruin everything they worked for. Sophomore Maddy Mitschow said that stress does not always come from school work itself, but from the expectations students place on themselves and the pressure they feel from teachers and parents.

Some teachers also notice how much pressure the students are under. History teacher Nick Rittaco said many students are not just worried about passing but about being perfect. He explained that students often feel like every test and assignment decides their future, which creates a lot of stress. While teachers want students to succeed, he believes that schools should be focusing more on learning and less on constant pressure over grades. 

Academic success is very important but too much pressure can lead to hurting students more than helping them. When students are constantly stressed about expectations and grades, learning is more about fear than growth and learning. Schools should still challenge students, but they should also make sure students have the support and balance they need to stay in a healthy mindset.

Work Cited:  

“How Students Are Managing Back-to-School Stress.” eSchool News, 20 Sept. 2024, eSchool News. Accessed 12 May 2026.

“More Stress Information.” The American Institute of Stress, The American Institute of Stress. Accessed 12 May 2026.