curmudgeon

jack, unfortunately for them (Tulane), I think their climb to national prominence has hit one helluva roadblock.

I'm glad that I mis-read your post. Darling D's "reluctance" (obstinance, recalcitrance) is her own, as is this process. If I was driving the bus it would be done quite differently. I spend my time (which is less now than in the initial stages of list making) trying to figure out the next zig or zag and remove or at least point out the obstacles before she hits them. It is trying but I guess I really wouldn't have her be any other way. She is most certainly not a marionette.

As for the continuing angst, her reachy merit choices are among the most difficult to get awards from and it is those schools she is spending her time on, while not ignoring her others (she has visited and keeps in touch regularly). Both are tier one , top 30 schools, whose major scholarships are not entirely stat driven and she has been invited to apply for their major awards by admissions, and has an ally in the coach of her sport (for what little that is worth). At another, nominated students for the premier award receive some merit award 87% of the time. While far from sure bets, they are at least "possible".