High school: Some kids go to class, some kids go to parties, some kids go to Harvard, and other kids drop out. No two kids are the same…that’s what makes high school a unique and interesting place. A high school meets the wants and needs of a wide variety of student types. As you walk down the hallway, you notice a group of girls chewing gum and texting (not discreetly) with their soccer-playing suitors trailing behind them – the preparations; a group of boys with their glasses pushed up on the bridge of their noses, conspiring about the Big Bang or the derivative of the cube root of the sine of two pi – the super nerds; and somewhere, running among the other clans, books piled high, scholarship applications flying off the top of their pile, are the stressed-out, college-bound overachievers. It's later that I worry. The way these overachieving students interpret college expectations leads them to lead hectic and stressful lives. It is commonly perceived that colleges are looking for well-rounded students; students with high GPAs, high SAT or ACT scores, rigorous course schedules, and a demonstrated commitment to extracurricular activities and volunteerism. There is no doubt why students perceive expectations this way; Almost all colleges list these criteria in one way or another for prospective students to consider. According to Cornell University, "we require certain standardized test scores, [but] we also emphasize a number of other critical elements in [an] application." They then list the prospective student's academic rigor and performance, written essays, letters of recommendations, and extracurricular activities as important elements of the application....... middle of copy...... entertainment, Sports, politics, travel, science, technology, local, US and world news - Msnbc.com. Internet. February 11, 2011. Baoru, By. "Chinese students: the most stressed in the world | CNReviews." CNRevues | Interesting people, business and life in China. Photograph. Internet. February 11, 2011. Carpenter, Siri. “Sleep deprivation can harm adolescent health.” Monitor October 2001: 42. American Psychological Association (APA). Internet. February 11, 2011. Jenks, PJ and Christopher Schorn. “Sleep Study Chart.” Upland Country Day School - A lifetime of learning begins in Upland. Internet. February 11, 2011. “Helpful Tips/Suggestions.” Cheltenham High School. School world. Internet. February 11, 2011. “Stress.” KidsHealth – the most visited children's health website. Internet. February 11, 2011. “What we are looking for”. Cornell University, College of Arts and Sciences, Liberal Arts. Internet. February 5. 2011.