Competitive school atmosphere both advantageous and detrimental

With a passing rate of 91 percent on AP exams, Saratoga High School is ranked 27th in California and known for its ability to send a high percentage of its graduates to prestigious colleges. But as students graduate each year, they sometimes ask themselves questions like: Was it worth it? Would they want their own children to attend such an ultra competitive school?

Before I answer those questions (which, admittedly, is a bit biased as I have just started junior year), I will say what I consider to be the potential downsides of Saratoga.

One obvious drawback is that as college acceptance rates have decreased, some students (and their parents) have developed a dog-eat-dog mentality when it comes to doing well in school.

Some kids begin taking the most difficult classes possible as early as in fifth grade, when a select number of them take math placement tests in order to skip to Pre-Algebra. Many of those who did not make the cut later took summer-long Geometry courses to take Algebra 2 Honors as freshmen.

With this prevalent mentality on campus, the stress cultivated by the academic competition often affects most students’ lives negatively. For example, when I have taken difficult tests, I sometimes hear rumors afterwards about someone who cheated and already knew all of the answers. Likewise, normal lunchtime conversations usually center on upcoming tests or the need to finish an assignment.

Saratoga is not alone in this stress. According to a poll conducted by USA Today, 27 percent of teenagers across the country said that they experience “extreme stress” during the school year, whereas only 13 percent are stressed in the summer. And 34 percent expect stress levels to increase with each coming year.

Stress, at more extreme levels, can also lead to anxiety and depression. Like many students, I have had to deal with frequent panic attacks and a near-constant lack of sleep while in high school.

I must admit, however, that not all students have dealt with the same experiences that I have in the past; many students may be more dedicated to extracurriculars and athletics than to academics. Even the highest-achieving students in academics may not feel as much stress as other students and walk through the hallways with constant smiles on their faces.

Having dealt with Saratoga High’s academic rigor, my older sister, a Class of 2012 alumnus, was able to make a smooth transition to college, as do the majority of alumni.

And for that very reason, despite the academic stress that Saratoga High students frequently grapple with, the overall experience still has many strong points.

For one, the teachers and staff members are incredibly caring. They understand students’ stress and motivation to do well, so they aid students whenever possible, whether that be during tutorials or after school.

The school also has dozens of programs and clubs that are tailored to students’ specific interests. For example, a student interested in filmmaking can sign up for the Media Arts Program (MAP), or a student who excels in science or programming can join Science Bowl or App Development Club.

School spirit also serves as an outlet for students. Spirit events such as Homecoming week or rallies help preserve students’ mental health.

So, the ultimate question is: Would I send my children to Saratoga High School? My answer is yes.

Though prevalent academic stress has its downfalls, the competition prepares students for the future. Rarely do I ever hear of a Saratoga graduate struggling in the years beyond high school. And although I sometimes resent the immense competition and stress, it seems that these four years in Saratoga make us smarter, tougher and more prepared for what lies ahead.