That phrase is used over and over to describe schools like Andover. Exeter et al. Does everyone feel that pressure? or is it mainly the kids who are perfectionists and put pressure on themselves? Acknowledging that to get into these schools you have to be exceptional there MUST be average students there- everyone isn’t getting A’s at Andover right?
95% of students have a less than perfect GPA
No
Or their parents. It is not, IMO, coming from the schools. I do think that for many (but not all) in the top 20% there is an HYPMS or bust mentality. Again, it’s coming from within, or their peers, or their family, not the school.
There are lots of kids who put great deals of pressure on themselves who attend these school. They are the ones who are the most overwhelmed. Most other kids though don’t feel that pressure though and have well-balanced high school educations.