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Frank Tatto throws out the word overachiever a few times during our conversation. But on second thought, he decides it doesnt fit. When he started his career 12 years ago, the term could aptly describe a high schooler who took eight classes per day, joined seven or eight clubs, and still found time to work part time or volunteer. Now, however, such students are not overachievers theyre the norm.
Its not like theyre doing more than theyre capable of, in terms of achievement, said Frank, director of guidance and pupil services at Fairfield Ludlowe High School. But they just seem to be involved in so many different things. Its hard to keep up.
Take Michael Lenard, for example: Along with his new gig as occasional contributor to TheDailyFairfield, the sophomore is a member of Notre Dame High Schools Drama, Care, Key, Spanish, French and Production Clubs, the Presidents Advisory Council, and Chorus. He also takes weekly piano lessons, participates in his churchs youth group and spends his Saturdays at the High School Engineering Academy.
All of this is on top of his full seven-class schedule at Notre Dames highest offered levels. I sometimes worry about not getting enough sleep, Michael said. But I feel I can handle all my activities and work. Having so much to do keeps you from getting lazy and looking that way on your [college] applications.
But even that falls short of many of his counterparts at Fairfields public high schools. Warde and Ludlowe allow their students to take an eighth class and eat lunch in class rather than in a separate period. A total of 25 percent to 30 percent of Ludlowes students take that option. Many use the extra time to squeeze in a music or art class.
Frank says the added workloads have led to more visits to his offices over the past few years. Kids mostly used to come by just for help with college applications. He finds that now many are reaching out for help with stress-related counseling. I think they can handle [the work] up to a certain degree, Frank said. But over time, there are side effects as a result.
Michael touched on one major reason why todays high schoolers pack their schedules college acceptances. According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling, three-quarters of U.S. colleges have seen their application numbers rise every year since 2005. College is now what a high school diploma used to be, Frank said.
Still, Frank advises that resume padding might not be the best approach. When it comes to activities, Its not quantity that counts, its quality. Fairfield Warde junior Sarah Green takes that approach to heart. Sarahs also in about a half-dozen clubs, works part time at Young Artists Studio, and takes the full eight-class load. But she says she wont do anything just for the application.
If you don't like being really busy, or are keeping yourself busy with activities that you aren't passionate about, you're not representing yourself accurately to colleges, Sarah said. By keeping myself busy with activities enjoy, it shows colleges that I am driven and care about the activities I spend my time doing.
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How are other students in Fairfield County coping with heavy workloads and stiff competition? Click on the headlines below to find out:
Stress Weighs Heavily on Darien Teens
Stamford Teens Balance Academics, Athletics
Westport Teens Find Different Stress Solutions
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