Comparison in learning is often a tough battle many students face, specifically in senior years when rankings come into play but it’s how we perceive and behave when dealing with comparison that can truly impact our learning.

Comparison can be both a motivator and a destroyer. On one hand, seeing a peer excel can inspire us to study harder or set new goals. On the other hand, it can quickly spiral into self-doubt, anxiety, and burnout. What often gets lost in the process is that every student’s journey is different, shaped by their strengths, circumstances, and ways of learning.

Every student is different and on their own individual path, and that’s what is key to remember. The chances are, the person next to you probably doesn’t have the same goals or long-term aspirations as you, so it would be silly to compare!

In tutoring, a student might walk in feeling “behind” simply because someone else achieved a higher mark. Yet, when they start focusing on their own growth instead of someone else’s progress, their confidence and performance improve dramatically. Progress isn’t always linear; sometimes it’s slow, steady, and deeply personal. Academic success isn’t about outshining others; it’s about understanding yourself. It’s learning how YOU learn best, setting achievable goals, and celebrating small victories along the way (and with your tutor!!!)

So, next time you feel caught in the battle of comparison, take a step back. Instead of asking, “Why am I not where they are?” ask, “What’s one thing I can do to be better than I was yesterday?” That’s the only competition that truly matters.

At the end of the day, education isn’t a race, it’s a journey. And the best students aren’t the ones who compare; they’re the ones who grow individually.

Jessica Ciappara