My Big Question

My big question is why does it seem so important and necessary to be apart of the "popular" kids in school? So many people focus on being known and accepted by others and what they can do to be considered popular, but in reality is that what's going to get you into college? I feel that society has become so focused on being popular for our age group or famous for adults, but forget the idea of happiness. Are you happy when all you can do is watch what you say or do in order to fit in with the "cool' kids? Do you feel that you are being true to yourself and are you comfortable with who you have become? Considering what many people do just to be called a popular kid at school, why has stereotypes and status become such an important outlook to teenagers in specific?