Colleges generally ignore middle school grades. Then, as you are promoted to high school, colleges begin to look more closely. Freshman year isn’t a huge factor, as you’re new to an environment you’ve never been to and need time to be able to adjust, making colleges lower their expectations. Sophomore year becomes harsher; you’re no longer the “new kid” around. This is also where most kids start taking more advanced classes, such as AP (Advanced Placement). By the time Junior year rolls around, colleges expect students to have been fully responsible, seasoned high school students. This is also often considered when high schoolers reach the pinnacle of their maturity. Senior year, nonetheless, is also important, since colleges use this year’s grades to ensure you didn’t start to slack off after submitting your application letter.
Applications to colleges are typically very competitive, with over 19.28 million applicants nationwide each year. Considering the number of undergraduates also wanting to get into the same schools you do, naturally, grades alone won’t be enough. This is why many teenagers over these four years participate in athletics, the arts, or other extracurricular activities to demonstrate their character. Colleges or universities take after-school activities seriously for various reasons. Not only do these help them understand you as an individual—seeing what motivates you—but also help them demonstrate leadership, show commitment, and recognize the potential contributions you can make to their colleges.
Since all of these factors combine, keeping a considerably good GPA (grade point average), sticking to extracurricular activities outside of school hours, and balancing personal life, it’s normal to become overwhelmed, especially for overachievers or students with stricter parental guardians who pressure them beyond their limit.
So, when students are stressed, how can they process it positively? Many students suggest keeping a journal to document and express their feelings to help relax, while others who enjoy more physical activities recommend exercise or sports to clear their minds. Normal daily habits that can be adjusted to help your body become healthier include maintaining a regular, consistent sleep schedule; eating healthy meals that meet your body’s nutrient requirements; and meditating or simply clearing your mind to help your body calm down from the intense physical or mental stress students endure. Although activities vary by individual, one thing every student says is to set aside time to do things they enjoy. 
It’s common for students to be overwhelmed by the intense academic workload, but it’s important to keep your body in good health to execute the best performance you can.
Onto the other topic: how can students deal with academic rejection? Such as being refused a position on a club or team, or even being demoted within a club.
When situations like this occur, it’s important to allow yourself to grieve rather than bury yourself in guilt or shame. It’s normal to be upset. What we can do next is not to take it personally. Most of the time, when you are rejected from a club or position, the rejection gives you a reason. In the end, coaches and club members decide what’s best for the overall team, not because they didn’t want you there personally. Next, avoid self-blame. Take practical steps: analyze the feedback on why you were rejected, then focus on improving yourself and developing a plan for next time to try to ensure this doesn’t happen again. Lastly, if we strive for the most and reach out for support, we can reduce the chances of failure next time. It’s important to note that failure doesn’t define you; it just gives you a new opportunity to succeed.
