A lot of high schoolers tend to think that they have to do everything while they’re in high school in order to be successful later in life. It seems to be a common assumption that in order to get into a good college, they must play sports, be involved in fine arts, and join every club and extra curricular possible while still maintaining good grades. The problem with this mentality, though, is they begin to become overwhelmed and lose time for everything due to taking on too much.

Of course colleges look for people who were able to maintain their grades while being involved in their school at the same time. However, that does not mean you have to do everything. I think the most important things you should get out of high school are finding your interests and (obviously) learning. If you can do those things and have fun at the same time, you’re bound to have a good high school experience. On the other hand, if you drown yourself in too many advanced classes and activities, you won’t have time for the things that are really important. Also, you won’t be able to perform all the things you take on to the best of your ability because you will have so many other things to do.

If you study enough to keep your grades as high as you can get them and join clubs and activities that interest you, you will be fine. You do not have to join 10 clubs and have a 4.0 to get into college. I know many people are hoping to get into Ivy League schools, but even then you should not overwhelm yourself. The expectations are obviously higher than a standard university, but filling your plate too high will result in the same thing; lack of time and exceptional performance.

If your plate is already full, you don’t have to stress about adding any more things. Having a reasonable amount of extra activities while keeping your grades up is enough. You don’t have to compare yourself to other people who are more involved because odds are, there are areas that you are excelling in more than them.