<p>I think it’s often tough for kids who have achieved a sort of superstardom in high school with a normal amount of effort and then find out at what might be a reachy college that the students are way more academically able than those HS peers. It’s hard to maintain self-esteem and feel successful in the same way. In hindsight, I’m glad my S didn’t choose to attend his reachiest college. I think his experience there was probably a lot less stressful as a result.</p>
<p>This story also makes me horribly sad and scared. My heart just breaks for that family, her friends, and mostly for that beautiful young girl. It did seem to happen at break-neck speed and according to articles, her parents were entirely supportive of a transfer but she insisted on going back. Just horrible.</p>