<p>@ackmom,</p>
<p>I so feel for you. I’m tutoring students right now who seem very much like your description of your son. They’re bright, full of potential, but when the goal is placed in front of them - especially something as daunting as boarding school or college, some actually fall in performance.</p>
<p>I think a portion of it is fear of success, not fear of failure. Sometimes its just fear of the unknown. So they self-sabotage. And sometimes the best we can do is love them until they heal or find the path on their own.</p>
<p>Sounds like you have a good perspective on the situation. No matter what happens this weekend with your final notifications, good luck to you. He’s lucky to have you as a parent. Sending good karma your way.</p>