Isn't there more to life than tests and good grades when you're a teenager?

Question

I'm 17 years old and I am tired of taking tests. I'm tired of the people around me trying to look good for the analists of the ministry.
I want school to be a place to learn things you're interested in. It's as if school forgot that. It's all about grades, the tests. SAT scores, CGE's or whatever.
Isn't there more to life? Can't people learn on their own? Can't people be happy without a high SAT score? Why have grades become the keys to universities? Why do we rely so much on incompetent tests? Why makes them think that knowledge can be calculated in the first place?
Wouldn't be the "showing" of your knowledge better than your "writing" of your knowledge?
Isn't the more to life?
I try to write my three books, write quotes, think of the meaning of life and its components. I get to know life better.
They say "Weirdo".
And sex. I'm not in a hurry for it. I have other things on my mind, like trying to become a better human before I get into a serious relationship.
Isn't

Answer 1

You are posing timeless questions, the sort that have been asked in one way or another by every generation. It is the way of the world and of life that the young are supposed to be idealistic and question what goes on around them and in their lives. Continue to question. You may not find all the answers, but you will learn a great deal along the way.

Society imposes certain ways and measures in order to evaluate progress. Different societies do this in different ways. Right now ours is focused very much on test scores, but all things in education are cyclical. This trend has been here before, disappeared, and came back. I believe these trends tend to run in about 30 year cycles, and you just happen to be in school during the "testing" trend. Teenagers before you had to deal with other trends, as will those after you. And in a generation or two the testing trend will come round again.

Don't despair. From what you have written, I think you are going places and will do well.

Here is a piece of writing I have read often over the years when I feel a bit discouraged about things. I hope you find it at least thought provoking. Best of luck.

Answer 2

Dude! You are obviously in need of a break! Take a vacation!
Tests and written knowledge do not an intelligent person make! You are right, on all of your points made. The unfortunate reality is very few people have the "Bill Gates Story" as their life. You need an education to earn a decent living and that's the way it's structured right now. You're 17, I'm guessing you're either graduating high school this or next year. Hang in there, I promise college will be so much better. Live on campus, if possible. It will give you opportunity to "spread your wings" a little and feel more in control of your own destiny. As for sex, as a tax paying American and a parent I would like to say "thank you" Thanks for not bringing a child into this world with someone who you KNOW you don't want to spend your life with. Take a break. Don't be so hard on yourself. Enjoy your life a little and where you are!

Answer 3

I like you! You ask questions that challenge the status quo!

You need those grades to become an attorney, a scientist, or any other field where you can question the universe. :o)

As for sex, I'm glad you are in no hurry. My own daughter just turned 21 and is not dating. She is focused on getting her college degree and having a stable career first. That way she will not be dependent on a man when she has a relationship. Take your time..... you have the rest of your life to let some man ruin it! LOL

You are not a weirdo. You are obviously very intelligent and realize that society is messed up. You are writing books? Awesome! Someday you will be published! How about a degree in Professional Writing?

Take the tests, because you need it to get into a good university. Play the game, but with your own goals in mind.

I envy you your youth and the unwritten book that is your future life!

Question.... ask..... challenge. But also be willing to accept that not everything is right..... not everything is fair ..... and sometimes one person cannot do anything about it. Learn to fight when it's important, and to compromise when it isn't. You will have more peace in your life when you do this. Choose your battles carefully or you will waste a lot of time and energy in futile warfare.

Above all.... seek God. He has all the answers.

Best Wishes,
Sue

Answer 4

Oh boy...I know exactly how you feel!!!
I'm in my early 20's and going to college full-time...but high school is still fresh in my memory. I thought the exact same things when I was in high school...and I lived my thoughts. While I never skipped school...I also never paid attn, never did homework, and never studied. Miraculously I graduated...but w/ horrid grades...and today I regret that!!! If I paid more attn in high school...I could've tested out of so many classes in college (especially math and english!)
So...my answer to you would be...yes...there is more to life than tests and good grades...however....i suggest you work hard, and get good grades, b/c high school and college will be about 10 yrs of your 70 yr life!!! You will have a lot of time afterwards to go and live life to the fullest...and it will be easier to do if you have a better education!

Answer 5

Yes, there is so much more to life than tests!

Unfortunately, to get a good job, you most likely need some sort of degree and colleges require good test scores.

Good luck with your writing!

Answer 6

NO!!!! Go to school and get good grades now. Get yourself into a good college. Get a good degree. Get a high paying job. Then you can enjoy the rest of your life and you will have plenty of money to do it. What you do now in these 4 years of highschool is whats gonna carry you for the next 40 years. so DONT F@CK IT UP!!!!!!!.

Answer 7

You will be tested all your life in one way or another. You do not want to find out what the other side of the fence is like. Continue to do well and life will be good to you, I promise. You have to think when you do have children in the further future (I hope), that your actions now, will make their lives greater and enjoyable as yours will be if you continue your good path.

Answer 8

There should be, but if you want to get ahead in most places, there really isnt. I would suggest surviving highschool and going to a college that doesnt give written tests. YES - they exist. They are usually smal and picky on the students they take. They test in other ways...projects, oral exams and other ways. It would be more intense and hands on, but if your up for that, youd probably love it.

Answer 9

high school doesn't matter in the real world. college does though. maybee some of the things you are doing now will help you get into a good school or get scholerships.