What is the stress and culture feel like during high school regarding the Canadian college admissions process?
For context to better understand my question: I am a College Guidance Counselor at a high school in America. In my middle class American suburban town outside of a major city, I have observed that my students are under extreme stress and pressure for college applications at a young age. It’s not unusual for parents in my community to spend thousands on private consultants starting in Grade 8 or 9.
With holistic admissions in the USA, it can often look like an extracurricular “arms race” where students spend their summers carefully building their resumes— I rarely see my students holding typical high school jobs, like retail, and much of how they spend their time is for college application prep rather than personal enjoyment. Students in my school need to take 8-10+ AP courses in high school to be possibly competitive for a college ranked in the Top ~50. (The number of AP courses “needed” will vary from school to school depending on what the school offers). They’re often stressed, and I see it take a huge toll on their mental health— even on those not aiming for a very very selective college.
Of course, this can vary from student to student and school to school. Not every kid has the same pressures placed upon them or ambition. And, a lot of this is contextual— students with different backgrounds and socioeconomic circumstances might approach the college process differently.
But how is the typical middle class Canadian student (and family) approaching the Canadian college applications process? Is it an extracurricular arms race? Are they as stressed as some of their American counterparts?
I understand the logistics of applying (a little). I’m curious how it plays out in terms of student wellness, academic pursuits, work/life balance, etc.