Being able to do well in high school without having to put in much effort is actually a big disadvantage later in life.

From a current college who is struggling and barely passing a few upper level classes, this is the truth. I do not know how to study. I only studied once freshman year and landed on the dean's list both semesters because I took most of the classes in high school. In high school I didn't study for a single exam and still pulled a 5 on the AP physics exam and a 35 on the ACT math section.

College is a different environment. You are paying or access to resources, not instruction from professors and, therefore, must teach yourself. In high school, you are trapped for 40 hours a week with nothing to do except listen to teachers thoroughly explain the subject.

/r/Showerthoughts Thread