<p>Some kids are better off being pushed to an extent or gently nudged in a direction. However, the appearance of this can likely be the death knell for a student aiming for a top school, which the OP has said is the goal. Being shy is also one of the things not sought after at top schools. It’s fine to have this attribute, but certainly don’t advertise it. </p>
<p>And I think the meeting alone with the GC can come off like the parent is steering the child too much or is a “helicopter” parent. Again, this is somewhat necessary as a parent, but it is expected that kids at the top schools would not need this. </p>
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<p>I totally agree with this, but I still think in terms of the way kids are evaluated, you want to avoid the appearance that kids aren’t entirely self-directed.</p>