Yes, agree, which was the reasoning behind the choice to begin with. We also understand that it will change significantly as their education progresses - I think the experience in and out of the classes will improve and provide more of what they are looking for. As parents, we think all the opportunities are there, just a matter of going after them…but we’re not sure. If we were sure - we would tell them, stick it out - it will get better.
The thing we wonder about is their desire to be surrounded by top students - focused, intellectual, analytical. Not to say they don’t exist at the state school, of course they do. It’s just our student never found high school especially challenging, even in the most difficult courses/AP’s etc., so they were really excited for college because we kept saying “it will be different in college - it will be more challenging” and now they are finding that it isn’t that different. (Even in the most advanced physics, math, economics courses)
But I’m wondering, if what they are looking for, does it exist in a certain college environment (ie. top LAC) or can it be found where they are now with a little work and patience. Is it about the college? or is it about the student?
Forgive my rambling, it’s a lot to process.