Grades are an important aspect of school; while they may not be the most crucial factor, they ultimately determine whether a student passes or not. This creates a sense of pressure and worry for many students.

Cons

For students with high grades, the pressure to maintain those grades can lead to increased stress. They often worry about their grades dropping, which can, ironically, cause their performance to decline further. This cycle can affect their self-esteem, and while they may not give up on school entirely, they might struggle with feelings of inadequacy. There are several reasons students worry about their grades. For instance, some might feel pressure from parents who have high expectations, while others might set unrealistic standards for themselves. Additionally, students might avoid taking challenging courses, like honors classes, out of fear of failure. Peer comparisons can also contribute to anxiety, leaving students feeling that they aren’t “good enough.”

Pros

While grade anxiety can have negative effects, it can also be a source of motivation. Students who worry about their grades may work harder to avoid failure. This anxiety can teach important skills like time management and prioritizing tasks based on deadlines. It also helps prepare students for the challenges of adulthood. In a survey of four people, two mentioned worrying about their grades, and both had better academic performance. This shows that concern over grades can drive resilience and adaptability—skills that are valuable later in life. Additionally, students often reflect on their strengths and weaknesses, which can improve their academic performance. Overcoming academic challenges gives students a sense of accomplishment and reinforces the idea that hard work leads to success. Stress can also encourage students to seek out solutions, such as attending tutoring sessions or asking for help from a teacher or mentor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, stressing over grades can be beneficial for students because it motivates them to stay focused and work hard to maintain their academic performance. While it’s important to manage the anxiety that comes with grades, it can ultimately help students develop key life skills.

Panther Press serves as the voice of the journalism students at Glen Edwards Middle School. The views on this site do not reflect the views of WPUSD or the admin at GEMS. Our goal is to promote student expression and provide a platform for diverse voices and viewpoints within our campus community.