OP- you know your kid. If his reaction to rejection is a shrug and “when do I get ice cream?” then for sure- apply. If he takes rejections very personally and it takes him a while to bounce back, then ask him how he’s going to feel if he gets a few rejections- and THEN the UNC rejection.
Some kids seem to feel that if they don’t get rejected somewhere (or a lot of somewheres) it means they played it too safe. Others are much more sensitive…
Reiterating that he does NOT need to major in consulting (in fact, I’d recommend against it) to get a job in consulting. I’ve hired loads of consultants in my recruiting career, and although there is no magic bullet, the top firms want kids who have learned to think and analyze and communicate- NOT to master any actual content around consulting.
Good advice all around-- and I appreciate the perspective re: consulting. I think now, he can handle the rejection (esp from UNC which he knows is a loooooooong shot). But we know he’s going to be rejected-- he’s also applying to Wake Forest & U Miami. A few years ago, he was too sensitive but he seems to be more balanced now and doesn’t take things too personally. Even with things that ‘hit him hard’ he’s usually over them in 24 hours. Again, sincere thanks.
A friend of my daughter’s turned down the offer to play baseball at MIT also – instead, he’s playing at GA Tech. He’s doing great there, and it’s in-state for us (so cheap and convenient), plus he’s a brainy STEM type, so it’s a good fit.
