You're right that in Buenos Aires, anyone can enroll in a university, but it's also true that if you don't have a solid educational foundation, you could struggle. For example, the CBC (Ciclo Básico Común), which is a mandatory pre-university course for admission to the UBA (Universidad de Buenos Aires), one of the most recognized universities in Argentina, can be a real challenge. Many students can't handle the workload and end up dropping out. That's why most people go to private schools, to ensure they're well-prepared and can handle the level of education in university.
As for what's happening in the United States, the education system creates a lot of competition. Like you mentioned, it's tough to get into certain universities, and this drives students to be very competitive and highly self-demanding. This kind of pressure can be positive for many because it pushes them to be more resilient and put in more effort. However, it also has a downside, sometimes it leads to anxiety, stress, and the feeling that you always have to be the best at everything, which isn't always healthy.
