According to Oxford Languages, imposter syndrome is the persistent inability to believe that one’s success is deserved or has been legitimately achieved as a result of one’s own efforts or skills.

     In a school with many overachievers, the phenomenon of the “average student” has increased exponentially from the former “C” grades and no extracurricular activities

     According to ACT.org, the average high school GPA has increased from a 3.44 to a 3.59 from the years 2010 to 2022. This is both a positive and a negative trend, as more and more students are continuing to apply themselves academically. However, the level of work that some students may lose sleep to accomplish now seems like the bare minimum in comparison to other students.

     “I have a 5.0.”

     “I take three honors and five APs.”

     “I have all A’s.”

     “I have seven extracurriculars.”

     “I got a 34 on the ACT first try.”

     Hearing these phrases weekly in my classes, I struggle to feel like I am ever doing enough. It is draining knowing that while I am applying myself and working to my fullest potential, my accomplishments don’t even feel like a fraction of what other people are constantly achieving.

     Am I lazy? Am I not smart enough to be in these classes? Am I taking on too little? Should I be challenging myself more?

      Even if I earn a high grade during group projects with other students , it is a struggle to even feel as if I deserve it, in comparison to everyone else who seems to have it all together. This comparison creates a constant feeling of “outcast” in my head. Although I have the same right to be in these classes as other students, I feel as if nothing I do is ever deserved.

     I can feel myself taking mental notes in my head: sign up for this class next year, do this club, it’ll look good on your application, a B isn’t gonna look too good compared to these other applicants to your dream school. It is a vicious, repeating cycle. However, there are so many other factors beyond statistics that are important to take into consideration.

      The most important thing to remember: I deserve to be in the classes I am in, I have the capability to execute and maintain my grades. Just because other students seem to have it all together does not mean your achievements are of any less value.