It hits people at different points. Could be college, could be grad school, could be work in general, could be a promotion. But it will ultimately catch up to you.
I ask any high schooler that is heading to college if they actually study and how difficult school is for them. Most of the "smart" one tell me their classes are really easy. I tell them to expect to actually have to study and for those easy A's or B's just for showing up to become C's and D's in college.
My buddies kid actually took the advice to heart and has been getting A's and B's in college still which is good to see. I wish someone would have given me that advice and saved me an extra semester.