By Kayla Edwards
As students approach college application season, many take on more responsibilities than they can realistically manage. They often enroll in additional AP courses, join multiple clubs, participate in sports, work after-school jobs, and take online classes. However, they may not recognize the toll this overwhelming workload can take on their well-being. Through interviews with Ponte Vedra High school students, 11th grader Emma Shin and 12th grader Rose Gottschalk, along with insights from reliable sources and Ponte Vedra High school teacher Mr. Lockenbach. It is important for students to understand how heavy workloads impact students in different ways and offers strategies for maintaining both success and balance.
For many students, the pressure to build an impressive college application leads to an overwhelming schedule. Emma Shin, a junior, manages a difficult academic and extracurricular workload, including taking two AP classes, a dual enrollment course, playing on the softball team, and participating in school clubs.
“There are nights when I don’t get home from softball practice until 8, and then I have to work on assignments for my AP classes,” Shin shared. “I feel like I have to keep pushing myself to do more because I want to stand out in my applications, but sometimes it just feels like too much.”
Similarly, Rose Gottschalk, a senior, balances a demanding schedule with all honors classes, color guard, and multiple extracurricular activities outside of school.
“I barely sleep, and I’m always thinking about deadlines,” Gottschalk shared. “I know being involved is important, but sometimes it feels like I’m taking on more than I can really handle.”
Both students acknowledge that while their packed schedules look great on a college application, the stress can be overwhelming. They also mention that it can make the social aspect of school more difficult. They mention that they wished they thought more about sleep and how overwhelming it can get.
The impact of overloaded schedules goes beyond feeling tired. Studies show it can seriously affect students’ mental and physical health. According to the American Psychological Association, nearly 60% of high school students report feeling stressed due to academic pressure. Common symptoms include anxiety, exhaustion, and even physical illness.
“I’ve had weeks where I felt completely drained,” Shin admitted. “I get headaches all the time, and I know it’s because I’m not sleeping enough. But what can I do? If I drop something, I might not stand out in college applications.”
“Students should focus on what they genuinely enjoy, rather than just what they think will look good on paper. In the end, passion and dedication stand out more than a long list of commitments.”
Mr. Lockenbach
Gottschalk also expressed concerns about becoming more burnout, explaining that the pressure to keep up can be isolating. “It’s hard to talk about because everyone around me is going through the same thing. We just push through it, but sometimes I wonder if it’s worth it,” she said.
A common misunderstanding among students is that they must do everything to impress colleges. However, teachers, school counselors, and college admission officers emphasize that what you do well matters more than how much you do.
Mr. Lockenbach, a teacher at Ponte Vedra High school, shared his perspective on the issue. “Students often think they need to fill their applications with as many activities as possible, but that’s not the case,” he explained. “Colleges value commitment and depth. It’s better to be deeply involved in a few activities that truly interest you rather than stretching yourself too thin across many.”
He also emphasized the importance of balance. “Burnout is real, and I see it all the time,” Lockenbach added. “Students should focus on what they genuinely enjoy, rather than just what they think will look good on paper. In the end, passion and dedication stand out more than a long list of commitments.”
Balancing academics, extracurriculars, and personal well-being is challenging, but experts say it’s possible with the right approach. Students should focus on activities that genuinely interest them rather than trying to do everything at once. Time management is also something they emphasized, as well as using planners or scheduling apps can also help keep track of assignments and responsibilities, reducing last-minute stress. Setting realistic expectations is just as important; students should feel comfortable saying no to commitments that become overwhelming. Prioritizing sleep is another important factor, as lack of rest affects both academic performance and mental health. By managing their time effectively and focusing on what truly matters, students can build a strong college application while maintaining their well-being.
Graphic made by Ryder Navarra
