Includes bibliographical references (p. [407]-435).

A look at the world of teens who face unbearable pressure to succeed explores such issues as intense stress, sports rage, parental guilt, the study drug black market, and the cutthroat college admissions process, as well as their impact on young people.

"In The Overachievers, journalist Alexandra Robbins delivers a poignant, funny, riveting narrative that explores how our high-stakes educational culture has spiraled out of control. During the year of her ten-year reunion, Robbins returns to her high school, where she follows students including CJ and others: * Julie, a track and academic star who is terrified she's making the wrong choices * "AP" Frank, who grapples with horrifying parental pressure to succeed * Taylor, a soccer and lacrosse captain whose ambition threatens her popular girl status * Sam, who worries his years of overachieving will be wasted if he doesn't attend a name-brand college * Audrey, who struggles with perfectionism, and * The Stealth Overachiever, a mystery junior who flies under the radar. Robbins tackles hard-hitting issues such as the student and teacher cheating epidemic, over-testing, sports rage, the black market for study drugs, and a college admissions process so cutthroat that some students are driven to depression and suicide because of a B. Even the earliest years of schooling have become insanely competitive, as Robbins learned when she gained unprecedented access into the inner workings of a prestigious Manhattan kindergarten admissions office."--Publisher's website.