Independent Lens Season 23 Episode 13 Try Harder!

"Try Harder!" is the thirteenth episode of season 23 of the documentary series Independent Lens. The episode follows five high-achieving seniors at a competitive public high school in San Francisco as they navigate the pressures of applying to elite colleges and universities.

The students featured in the episode come from diverse backgrounds and face unique challenges as they strive to succeed academically and secure a spot at a top-tier institution. Among the students are Alvan, a Nigerian immigrant who dreams of attending Stanford University; Ian, a Chinese American student with a passion for filmmaking; and Sophia, the daughter of working-class Chinese immigrants who hopes to attend Yale.

Throughout the documentary, viewers witness the intense academic workload and extracurricular commitments that these students must balance in order to achieve their goals. From long hours of studying and test prep to participating in science competitions and volunteering in their communities, the students are constantly pushing themselves to be the best.

But even with their impressive achievements and laser-sharp focus, the students still face numerous obstacles in their quest for academic success. For some, these challenges stem from systemic inequality and racial bias in the college admissions process. Others confront familial and social pressures that threaten to derail their dreams.

Through candid interviews and intimate footage of the students' daily lives, "Try Harder!" offers an unvarnished look at the realities of modern-day high school and the intense competition that exists within the education system. The documentary provides a glimpse into the lives of young people who are striving to achieve the American Dream through hard work, resilience, and determination.

Overall, "Try Harder!" is a moving and thought-provoking portrait of the challenges facing today's high school students. It offers a powerful reminder of the importance of education and the need for a fair and equitable system that provides equal opportunities for all.