<p>Another thing to remember, as has been said, (but maybe not enough) is that skills such as writing are not necessarily properly taught, even in some of the so called top public schools, let alone at more of the run of the mill schools. The writing course required for freshmen at many colleges is a rude awakening to many honor students, valedictorians included. Someone could have been the tops at his or her PS, and everyone was so impressed, etc…, But, the private and boarding schools may have done the better job. Good writing skills are important for success in most fields, and it is hard to play catch up.</p>