Why Students Shouldn’t Compare Themselves To Their Peers

“Why Students Shouldn’t Compare Themselves To Their Peers” For many students, especially high school students, the pressure to be the best is extremely high. Many high school students are expected to take the most rigorous courses, get the best grades in their classes, and be in the most clubs. This is in addition to a potential job or sports. This is all in preparation for making the students look the best on their college applications. To have them stand out amongst their peers.

When the bad score or other short fallings inevitably happen, it leaves students wondering where they are in relation to their peers. Where do they fall short when others excel? It is easy for students to fall into the mindset of comparing themselves to their peers, especially when applications come around. Although it is important for them to differentiate themselves from their fellow students, there is a point where comparing themselves to their classmates is harmful.

The first pitfall that many students who compare themselves to others fall prey to is the unequal standards. Because there are many differences between each individual student, making an equal comparison is almost impossible. A student might have a higher GPA than another student, but that could be due to more challenging classes or more extracurricular activities.

Because students comparing themselves to others is an inherently flawed method to measure success, students should instead make goals for themselves and work towards achieving those goals. Don’t let students worry about what others are doing. Have them focus on their own education.

Constant comparison can also make students overlook their good qualities. They will focus on what they are weak in compared to others instead of looking at what already makes them shine. Students should instead focus on what they are good at and appreciate themselves. They might not be the best at what they do, but their passion for it will set them apart in the long run.

Comparisons can also become an unhealthy habit if taken to the extreme. This can cause students to lose focus on what their goals are and leads to dissatisfaction. It is ok for students to compare themselves sometimes, they make mistakes every once in a while. But they need to recognize it as a bad habit and actively try to avoid doing it in the future.

Comparisons are bad for students, especially if they become a habit in the long term. School can be a stressful time, and comparing themselves to others just contributes to that stress. Encourage your student to make goals for themselves and have them focus on their own self improvement not other students.

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