High school girls are leaving boys behind, and it’s because girls are simply setting their sights higher, if a new study is correct.

Many psychologists believe that students set expectations and goals for their educations and careers early on, and then put in the amount of work required to meet those expectations during high school. Students aiming to be professionals or academics are more likely to strive for A’s, while other students planning on careers that demand fewer educational credentials are more willing to settle for B’s and C’s.