Comparison - useful, or not?

To be in the senior years of High School is to put yourself on a scale compared to other students. This is undeniable, and is entrenched in the academic system, from ranks for assessment tasks, to class hierarchies and school rankings and prestige. From English Advanced to Math Advanced, this attitude is ever present. 

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I realised quickly that whilst I can learn to thrive in such a competitive environment, overtime it has a real risk of wearing you down. Burning out in these crucial years leading to HSC can significantly demotivate and push you out of the running for an excellent ATAR result! Here are 3 factors you should take into account before comparing yourself to others. 

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1. We all have different circumstances

As we grow up, if we are fortunate we will get the opportunity to appreciate how different we all are. When hearing how other students have done so well on this particular assignment, or how they value a subject as ‘easy’ or ‘no sweat’, it pays dividends to remember that you may not have access to the resources used to embolster them. Similarly, you may have access to privileges inaccessible by other students. Knowing this allows you to be grateful and invested in your own education, instead of other people’s business!

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2. Working for a goal, or working to better yourself?

Some students may feel that the 99.95 ATAR is the goal, and they must do everything to achieve it. As if all of their problems will be solved when they cross that road, and they will gain the respect and happiness they have been long seeking. 

In reality, this is hardly ever the case. The HSC is a measurement of one’s ability to learn at one precise point in time in one year of one’s life. Whilst it may be significant to the coming year what mark you get, it certainly will not dictate your life. This means that if you are to work hard, you should work hard to become the best version of yourself. Good race runners do not fixate on the people around them, but on how they can best reach the goal themselves!

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3. Remembering that academics isn’t everything

Trapped in this cycle of discussing marks or education, you may feel as if academics is everything to life. Once you exit and enter the world after high school however, you will realise that there is so much more than just education. Finding hobbies and passions that can push you through the hard days does not need to be related to your education! Realising that academia is only one part of a multifaceted life will allow you to frame your life in a well-balanced manner. This may ironically allow you to do better in school, as the stress of it won’t affect you as much!

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Want to discuss with our state-ranking tutors how they managed their High School stress? Reach out to Concept at https://www.concepteducation.com.au/enquire or send an email to admin@concepteducation.com.au - we're always happy to help!