Maeson Wagner
@mwagnercourant
“Pressure makes diamonds,” this is the mindset of senior Vaughn Slatoff and many other high achieving students at NCHS.
The competitive environment at NCHS largely stems from the college admissions process. “Everyone’s pretty much applying to the same schools, and colleges can only take so many people. There’s pressure to do well because there are so many talented people who are strong candidates in the admissions process.” Vaughn said, “Competition isn’t always unhealthy because it definitely makes you better, but it’s pretty excessive here.”
School psychologist Sandra Warkentin has observed a similar pattern in recent years, “There is a real competitive situation with college placement because there are so many high functioning students in this school,” she said.
Ms. Warkentin also attributed increased anxiety to the large population of high achieving students. “There is a perceived idea that students have to take all the AP classes, causing them to overcommit. Then they develop significant anxiety, and don’t perform the way they want to,” she said, “You’re better off taking the classes that you are suited for and be comfortable in, and not super anxious.”
Many students however, still feel the need to take the highest level courses available. “Competition is regulated by course load.” Vaughn said, “I think competition has helped me grow throughout high school because there are classes I wouldn’t have taken if it wasn’t for the competition at NCHS to do well. It forced me to challenge myself which was beneficial,”
While the competitive environment at NCHS is driven by couseload, it is not all cut throat. “There’s definitely competition to take higher level classes than other people but once you’re in the class it’s a pretty collaborative environment,” Vaughn said.
Heavy course load however, does not come without sacrifice. “Junior year was especially tough for my mental health and social life. There were spans of three or four weekends where I didn’t do anything except homework,” Vaughn said, “It was difficult, but it was ultimately worthwhile.”
Increased competition at NCHS the past two years could be a fallout of COVID, “When we were in COVID, parents couldn’t help but get involved in students’ education. I find upperclassmen’s parents to be oddly involved in their kid’s schooling this year. It’s never really been like this before, and it’s time for parents to let go,” Ms. Warkentin said, “Parent involvement and constant asking of questions has definitely increased pressure for students.”
It is also becoming increasingly common for students to have extended time as a result of the competition at NCHS, “I think the issue with extended time is out of control,” Ms. Warkentin said, “Students who come forward in their junior year with high GPAs and super successful high school careers that want extended time for the SATs are a reflection of increased competitiveness.”
NCHS is known for its competitiveness, but there is an unspoken element of support that is also present. “I’ve definitely worked really hard because of the competition here and I don’t think I would’ve been able to do that without really good friends and classmates.” Vaughn said. “NCHS is obviously competitive in its nature but I think there’s also a really collaborative environment as well, which people don’t talk about enough.”
