“To start- sophomore year- perseverating on admissions to ONE college…sets the stage for some really sad stuff down the road.”
Maybe…but sometimes having a reach goal can be a positive. For example, best friend growing up wanted to attend UC Berkeley for Engineering and was always his goal since 9th grade. Guess where he ended up? Attended UCB, switched major to Economics, and is now a very successful SVP for a tech company.
Having a stretch goal kept him focused on the “prize” and was a positive for at least this student.
For my D20, she started taking college admissions seriously starting with her sophomore year (she was always a straight A student and very good test taker). We got her a private college counselor in 10th grade and set-up a game plan for her to attend her “dream” college. She was accepted.
Having a stretch goal is not the “doom and gloom” I hear frequently on CC, just make sure that you are realistic at your chances of admissions and have a balanced attitude if you do not reach your goal. The journey may just open up other doors and college opportunities.
To the OP, your student should take the most challenging Math class available and he might just surprise you and himself with excelling in the class?! How does one know what they are capable of if they take the “safe” route?