I read on CC that there are many schools which don’t have plus/minus grades so anything 89.5 and above is an A or 4.0. What a joke.
What these kids don’t realize is that the elites select kids from all over the world. Going into a math class, or English class or history class with top students from around the world is going to be challenging. That is why many struggle the first year. Honestly, I don’t understand the value of going to a school which isn’t a fit. How does that help you?
Deep learning is important in life. Elite college admissions is not. Deep learners try to understand and often bring a type of thinking that isn’t about checking the boxes but tying things together. These skills are very important.
I think kids should take the classes that are best for them. And parents need to stay out of it. My oldest asked us several times about classes, we added some thoughts and said ultimately it’s your decision. Same with college.
There is no way, I would pick a major, college or path for my kids. Or even emphasize the value of one school over another based on rankings. My spouse attended a far less prestigious college than I did and has excelled above and beyond most of my “elite” classmates. I’m not against elite colleges for the right reasons ( mainly intellectual vigor). But I am against using college as a status symbol. Life is not a race. And a B in Calc BC isn’t going to change your life trajectory in any meaningful way.