I think it’s time we faced the truth: the primary reason kids go to prestigious boarding schools is to get into prestigious colleges. At the very least, prep school students are all expected to attend a college. Whether we intend it to be or not, this shared goal produces an enormous amount of pressure.

The boarding school demographic naturally attracts students who hold themselves to high standards. Whether it be academically, athletically, or artistically, our school is filled with some of the most talented kids I’ve ever met. And it might be expected that, when surrounded by other highly motivated student, a sense of competition will exist.

But I’m writing this article today to suggest that this culture of competition— at least as it pertains to the college process—is in need of repair. Sure, some competition is healthy, but the type of competition that the admissions cycle nurtures (one of comparative strategizing and calculated secrecy) is starting to affect one thing all us students have in common: a love for learning.

In recent months, I notice that I’ve started doing things not because I’m curious about them, but because they look good on a résumé.

This disturbing truth is universal to nearly all prep schools: the closer a student gets to the college admissions process, the more likely they are to stop doing things simply because they enjoy them.

I can see the plan this type of mentality maps out: 1. Go to a prestigious boarding school. 2. Go to a prestigious college. 3. Get a job that makes a ton of money.

I understand how this blueprint might look attractive. Financial security? Check. Prestige? Check. But happiness? I’m not so sure about that one.

To me, living life as a means to an end and not an end in of itself is a recipe for discontent. Our school’s community is so special—it seems a shame to waste this much curiosity and passion just to become a hollow-eyed corporate cog.

That’s not to say that we should completely neglect to think about college; realistically, I know that’s not going to happen. But it’s also not an either-or choice: you can do things that interest you but that also hold strategic value.

I know the college process is going to be stressful. But if you ask me, I’d rather be stressed and doing things I love—and that’s something we all can do.