<p>@Torveaux
I kind of disagree with you about grade inflation. Does it happen? I’m sure it does…but here goes mine
S told me at a very early age he wanted to go to an elite school starting middle school. I forced him to swim as an EC because he failed every other sport out there. Moving forward to now senior year, not only he’s being a year-round club swimmer, varsity 4 years swimmer, 3 years waterpolo. He also has completed 5 AP all 5’s and taking now senior 7 AP’s. All A’s in a very high competitive public magnet and on his way to a valedictorian. NOT one and I mean not one have I spoken with any teachers through HS. He’s done all on his own and I’m very lucky!
My son did not apply where he could be automatically admitted, he thinks it stinks. He’s #8 out of 851 seniors and that puts him in the top 1%. He went for higher and more difficult not because I wanted but because he chose for it</p>