How to Cope with High Expectations in School

[Ciri]

Students often face intense pressure from exams, deadlines, and future expectations. The stress can lead to anxiety and burnout. Time management, self-care, and seeking support can help. Have you experienced academic stress? How do you manage overwhelming school responsibilities while maintaining mental well-being?​

 

[Commode K]

One thing that I did as a student was to be realistic with myself as regarding expectations. I knew my capability at optimum level and my capability if I stretch. That's why I never was too ambitious with expectations. I knew after myf first semester that I would not get a first class. I now had to work for second class upper at a stretch or I would get a lower division at worst. That's helped me to prevent burnout from trying to meet unrealistic expectations.

 

[Noble]

The thing is that managing high academic expectations is a challenging but essential skill for students. You can navigate the pressures of academia with resilience and confidence .

 

[Shortie]

Coping with high expectations in school is never easy to deal with and it can often make you feel as though you are drowning trying to reach those expectations.

I used to do my best to try and reach expectations but found that it just made me feel awful and depressed. I would always instead, just do things my way and eventually, ignore the expectations. I find now that is what most people do.

 

[esprit_girl]

I experienced a lot of academic stress during high school because I was bullied by my classmates almost every day. There were moments when I felt like giving up, but I pushed myself to keep going to school and not let my parents down.

 

[Deep]

Academic stress is challenging; I manage it through time management, self-care, breaks, and seeking support when needed.

 

[Bizdustry]

Don’t give into peer pressure. Don’t look at people who are doing significantly better than you. Focus on yourself and your own progress. There will always be someone who is worse off than you and someone who is doing better.

 

[Teri W]

Make sure that as a student, the expectations that you are chasing are very realistic. Understand that coming out with a second class doesn't make you dull. If you genuinely can't make a first class, give in your best to get a second class upper. Don't try to kill yourself to get a first class when it is genuinely impossible to get.

 

[Noble]

Coping with high expectations in school isn't easy. You need to understand the expectations to set realistic goals, to achieve them. So it is focus on progress. Embracing mistakes, and prioritizing self-care.

 

[Shree]

You need to set realistic goals and break them down into smaller tasks. Try time management and take regular breaks to avoid burnout. Learn to say no when necessary and ask for help when you’re feeling overwhelmed, whether from teachers, family, or friends. Practicing self-compassion is important, understand that it's okay not to be perfect, and focus on progress, not just outcomes. Regular exercise, relaxation, and sleep also support mental well-being during stressful times.