<p>Maybe its their egos that have problems. They feel a sense of entitlement- that a good HS GPA and SAT scores mean that they should go to a “top” school which will automatically set them on the course to becoming successful. In reality, while going to a “top” school can help, and having a good GPA/SAT can help, does that make the other 99% of Americans who didn’t go to a “top” school/get 2300+ on SAT failures? Of course not.</p>
<p>Hard work usually produces the best result. How can someone be successful if all they like to do is sit on their couch and play video games (excluding being a pro gamer…). Academic “talent” merely means the ability to succeed in school. Not in life.</p>
<p>Keep working hard. If you feel what you are doing isn’t working, then try something else. Remember, there is no singular “right” way to do things. Each individual is different and requires different methods. I seem to understand that you are foreign? Perhaps the way you think is different. Perhaps you need a few more years of developing your English skills. Or perhaps, a 4 hour test really just doesn’t measure your academic potential.</p>
<p>In the end, CC does not accurately represent the population. It is composed of many insecure, yet academically talented, anonymous internet people. Not one of us can foresee precisely where we will be in 10 years. Just keep your head up, and ignore “chance” threads. Its really just a breeding ground for people to share to the world (anonymously) how great they are. Because really, what is the purpose of learning your “chances” for a certain school? College admissions don’t play strictly by the numbers, so no probability involved. It really is just one way to either reassure the insecure people or give them a confidence boost if they can overcome the “odds.”</p>