Boston Legal tackles AP and EC stress/pressure

[NorthMinnesota]

Did anyone else watch this show? It was tivoed here and I just watched it. Interesting storyline about schools pressuring students to take AP and the hardest classes available and be involved in tons of ECs that lead to stress and sleep deprived teens. Try to watch it if you can. The point made at the end concerned whether attanding a top selective school allowed you to be happier and more successful in life. Would love to hear opinions!

[Bromfield]

Did you learn anything you didn't already know?

[NorthMinnesota]

Actually, yes. I never really thought people would hold HS's accountable for creating the competitive culture for selective colleges. It was a refreshing reminder!

Wasn't interested in critiquing the show...just thought the AP/EC storyline was relevant and something to think about... from all sides of the issue. Since you turned it off you probably didn't see the summary...very thought provoking.

[Marilyn]

I thought the show was fairly interesting and there were a lot of good points but felt that suing the high school was totally ridiculous. Can't believe a judge would really let it go to trial.

As a side note, I think the whole "love for Shirley" story arc is demeaning to a strong character and great actress. Granted these scripts were filmed right before the writers' strike started but still...

[lindz126]

I saw the show and found the theme very relevant--sad -- my kids not quite as rat racey--but pushing nonetheless---not only the kids are stressed but I know these last few weeks just applying for fin aid has felt like my second job---

the more important point--what brings happiness + success, I've talked with my kids about how we each create our own lives--you can go to the best college but if you have no ethics/character it'll catch up w you---if you choose your field of study/profession well -- find a good match for your personality and are passionate about it wherever you go to school you'll likely be happier overall. I went to a city university in ny, then a state univ in ny for grad degree in social work--25 yrs later still love my work and all the places my career has taken me. glad to say my kids seem to get that=although reaching for dreams in great schools realize it would be a gift...something to enrich their life but not validate it...

[jelomom2003]

I watched the show. I am always amazed at how Boston Legal can hit on a topic that has crossed my mind but doesn't seem talked about in the main stream.

I definitely think that bringing up the topic of AP/EC is relevant in this increasingly competitive culture. I see it daily in our upper middle class community. My husband suggested that the increasing binge drinking on top college campuses could be a result of burnt out highschool kids who never experienced the opportunity to be kids while in HS. An interesting thought.


When my daughter turned down acceptances to a few top tier LAC for a school that she felt more comfortably with, she has received LOTS of comments along the line of "how could you". Interestingly, she was homeschooled for 13 years and has always prioritized a love learning and I think this may have allowed her to objectively view her decision. The Boston Legal show talks about how kids are entering our university's without curiosity and love/passion for their studies because they are so exhausted.

[MotherOfTwo]

I haven't seen either Boston Legal or the other documentary "Two Million Minutes" Film raises troubling questions about U.S. students - USATODAY.com which was talked about on some earlier threads. From what I am reading, one show talks about how American students work too hard and are under too much pressure in high school and the other one shows that even top American high school students from top high schools don't study and have an easy life. It seems like there is a lot of hype in both messages. In any case, BOTH cannot be true!

[arachnophobia12]

^^^and that's why, generally, generalizations aren't reliable.

[NorthMinnesota]

"The Boston Legal show talks about how kids are entering our university's without curiosity and love/passion for their studies because they are so exhausted."

That's one of the statements that interested me. When they talked about kids learning to just get an A on a test and not really having an interest or passion about a subject and then they just forget about what they memorized. I was just surprised that the show was aware of the topic!

I haven't seen Two Million Minutes, yet. Wonder if the Chinese and Indian students feel that they are stressed and pressured??? Need to make time to watch this!