American High Schools: Movies vs Reality

Whether you’re an incoming freshman or a seasoned high school student it’s important to know what to expect from your American high school experience. Movies and TV shows often depict the typical high school as a place where social cliques battle for supremacy, hormonal teenagers run amok, and everyone is grinding toward college. But is that really what American high schools are like?

In this blog post, we’ll compare the realities of American high schools with their portrayal in the movies.

How American High Schools Compare in Movies and in Reality

High schools in the United States are often depicted in movies and television shows. But how accurate are these portrayals? Let’s take a look at 12 ways American high schools compare to what we see on the big screen.

1. There Are Social Groups in American High Schools

In high school, you’ll often find that students fall into different social groups. You might have the popular kids, the athletes, the nerds, and so on. This can make it feel like you have to choose one group and stick with them.

In movies, this is usually portrayed as a bad thing. The different groups are always at odds with each other, and there’s always some kind of conflict. This can make high school seem like an insensitive place to be.

But in reality, these social groups don’t have to be a bad thing. Sure, there might be some competition between them, but you can also use this to your advantage. If you’re friends with people in different groups, you can get insights into what’s happening in different parts of the school. And who knows, you might even find that you have more in common with people from other groups than you thought.

2. You’ll Have to Deal with College

College is a big part of high school. You’ll probably be thinking about what you want to do after graduation. And you might even start taking college classes.

In movies, college is often portrayed as the be-all and end-all. Your life is ruined if you don’t get into a good school. This can make it seem like college is really important and that you have to do everything perfectly to get into a good school.

But in reality, college is just one option after high school. There are many other things you can do with your life. And there are plenty of schools out there that will be a good fit for you. So don’t stress out about it too much. Just do your best, and you’ll be fine.

3. You’ll Have to Deal with Your Future

The future is a big part of high school. You’ll probably start thinking about what you want to do after graduation. And you might even start planning for your future career.

In movies, the future is often portrayed as being perfect. Everyone has their dream job, and they’re living happily ever after. This can make it seem like the future is something to be excited about.

But in reality, the future is unknown. No one knows what’s going to happen. And that can be really scary. But it’s also exciting. So don’t be afraid to dream big and start planning for your future. It’ll be here before you know it.

4. You’ll Have Crushes in American High Schools

It’s normal to have crushes in high school. You might find yourself crushing on a classmate, a teacher, or even a celebrity. It’s all part of the experience.

In movies, though, crushes are often portrayed as this all-consuming thing that takes over your life. You can’t eat, you can’t sleep, and you’re constantly thinking about this person. This can make it seem like having a crush is a really bad thing.

But in reality, crushes can be fun. They’re a great way to daydream, and they can give you something to look forward to. If you end up dating the person you have a crush on, that’s great. But if not, that’s OK too. Just enjoy the process and don’t take it too seriously.

5. You’ll Have to Deal with Bullies

Bullies are, unfortunately, a part of life in high school. They might make fun of you, spread rumors about you, or even physically harm you. It’s not something anyone should have to deal with. In movies, bullies are often portrayed as being mean and scary. This can make high school seem like a perilous place to be.

But in reality, most bullies are just trying to act tough. They’re usually not actually brave enough to hurt someone. And even if they do, there are ways to deal with them. You can talk to a trusted adult, stand up for yourself, or even just ignore them. Don’t bullying ruin your high school experience.

6. You’ll Have to Take Standardized Tests in American High Schools

Standardized tests are a part of life in high school. You’ll probably have to take them for college applications and scholarships. And they can be really stressful.

In movies, standardized tests are often portrayed as make-or-break moments. Your whole future is ruined if you don’t do well on them. This can make it seem like they’re way more important than they actually are. Additionally, the focus on standardized tests can make it seem like grades don’t matter as much.

But in reality, standardized tests are just one part of the college application process. They’re not the only thing that colleges look at. And your grades still matter a lot. So don’t freak out about them. Just do your best, and you’ll be fine.

7. You’ll Have to Deal with Peer Pressure in American High Schools

Peer pressure is a big part of high school. Your friends might pressure you to do things you’re not comfortable with, like drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes. It can be really tough to resist.

Peer pressure is often portrayed as something that’s really bad for you. It can lead you to make bad decisions and get into trouble. This can make it seem like you should avoid it altogether.

However, in reality, peer pressure can be good if you use it correctly. It can help you try new things and challenge yourself. Just be sure to listen to your gut and don’t do anything you’re not comfortable with.

8. You’ll Have to Deal with Cliques

Cliques are a big part of high school life. You might feel pressure to join one or be friends with certain people just because they’re popular. Besides, it can be really tough to be an outsider.

Cliques are often portrayed as being exclusive and mean. They make fun of people who are different and don’t let anyone new in. This can make it seem like they’re something to be avoided.

But in reality, cliques aren’t all bad. They can provide a sense of community and belonging. And you don’t have to be friends with everyone in a clique, just the people you actually like. So don’t be afraid to mix things up and find your own group of friends.

9. You’ll Have to Deal with Relationships

Relationships are a big part of high school. You might start dating or even get married. It’s a time when you learn a lot about yourself and the opposite sex.

In movies, relationships are often portrayed as being perfect. The guy always gets the girl, and they live happily ever after. This can make it seem like high school relationships are supposed to be perfect.

But in reality, relationships are a lot of work. They take effort and communication. And they’re not always easy. But if you’re willing to put in the work, they can be really rewarding. So don’t be afraid to take the plunge and start dating in high school.

10. You’ll Have to Deal with Your Parents

Parental relationships are a big part of high school. You might start to see them in a new light as you grow up and mature. And you might start to feel more independent from them.

In movies, parents are often portrayed as being overbearing or strict. They’re always telling their kids what to do and how to live their lives. This can make it seem like they’re really hard to get along with.

But in reality, parents are just people too. They’re fallible, and they make mistakes. But they also love you and want what’s best for you. So try to have an open mind and a good relationship with your parents. They’ll be there for you when you need them.

11. You’ll Get Support in American High Schools

Another big difference is the level of support that students receive. In real life, high schools offer a variety of resources and support to help students succeed. This includes everything from academic counseling to extracurricular activities.

In contrast, many high school movies portray students as being largely on their own when navigating the challenges of adolescence.

12. There Is Diversity in American High Schools

Finally, American high schools are much more diverse than what you typically see in the movies. In reality, high schools are made up of students from different backgrounds. This diversity can be a source of strength and enrichment for everyone involved.

Conclusion

While movies about high school life may be entertaining, it’s important to remember that they don’t always accurately reflect reality. The next time you watch a high school movie, take a moment to think about how it stacks up against your own experience or the experiences of people you know.

If you are looking for an accurate portrayal of American high schools, however, we recommend contacting High School of America. Our experienced and dedicated staff will help you find the right program to fit your family’s needs. Don’t wait – contact us today!