Imposter Syndrome: evaluating confidence and success in high school students

“Fake it ‘till you make it:” a mantra most people are raised on. We consciously pretend to be what and who we want, until we are. The message is positive–advertising success as long as we’re in the right mindset. If we believe we can, we can. But, does faking it really work? Does lying to yourself help? Or does it feed into thoughts of unworthiness, self-doubt, or maybe even impostorism?

Impostor Syndrome is described by Psychology Today as believing that oneself isn't worthy of their achievements and feel that they aren’t as capable as one thinks. Luck, good timing, assistance from other people, and effort all are believed to be the cause of one’s success. Whether it’s someone in a sought-after job, a high-ranking official, or a scholarship-earning high school student, Impostor Syndrome can set in with anyone. But how does it develop?

Being driven to achieve something difficult, whether it’s somewhere like a highly competitive workplace or a mentally abusive household, can plant the seed of Impostor Syndrome. Usually, a deeper issue, like anxiety or low self-esteem, helps sprout the seed and contributes heavily to impostor syndrome. 

“I feel like I don’t know as much as I should,” Kate Sherman, 10, an all-honors and AP student said. “Compared to other people, I think I don’t know as much as I should, especially in my AP classes. Group projects are hard too, just seeing how smart the other people are is hard to see.” 

“I feel like I don’t have the motivation that some others do to get through some of these classes. It’s like I’m getting brought down by the competitive environment and the really smart classmates,” Ava Door, 10, added on. 

When asked if they felt impostor syndrome applied to them, 35 percent of high school students said that yes, it does apply, and another 40 percent said they have had some feelings of impostor syndrome. This emotional construct thrives in these situations–especially for academically competitive high schoolers. Even outside of school, on sports teams, and in extracurricular activities, impostor syndrome can develop.

Nolan Adent, 9, is the only freshman on the SJHS varsity soccer team. “I feel like I get down on myself sometimes. I saw a 15-year-old playing in the premier league on Instagram, and I feel like I catch myself comparing him to me,” Nolan stated. 

It’s important to notice that impostor syndrome can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. To shift this mindset, we can try to make an effort to stop comparing ourselves to others, and get help where we need it. Whether you're reaching out to a professional, a friend, or a family member, it provides the opportunity to grow and better oneself–in all walks of life. Instead of “faking ‘till we make it,” be confident in your abilities, challenge yourself, and do not be afraid to seek help and support.