Class ranks are an unnecessary stress for all grade levels, but especially for freshman. The first few months of school freshman feel compelled to stay up late to study and bury themselves in books in order to get the grades necessary for a high class rank. But the thought of one’s class rank can take up too much time.

The college application process can sometimes emphasize the importance of being better than everyone else in your graduating class. But since when was ranking people something that boosts self esteem? If ranking students based on their intellect on paper is okay then isn’t ranking boys and girls based on physical appearance okay too? People have different abilities; no one is perfect. Freshman have three more years ahead of them; they don’t need to be compared to their classmates and have their self-esteem injured so soon. Of course those who are in the top 10-20 percent are going to be ecstatic, but that raises their ego to new heights.

Ranks can be damaging as they can overemphasise the importance of being just intellectual rather than compassionate and kind; both which will help students operate in the real world as much as one’s intelligence. Being smart is a great thing, many doors will be opened for students with opportunities on the other side, but intelligence is not the only kind of smart Modern society has overshadowed the importance of being in touch with the right side of your brain with the emphasis on perfecting the left side of your brain.