<p>That the Gladwell example you cite was Brown is pretty ironic, my having just described a complete different experience of my daughter. And she did not have a smooth path either, she definitely had her struggles and failures and stresses early on. But she did not have any crisis of confidence, and was inspired by the accomplishment students around her who she considered role models. Also, she was very motivated by learning for itself. Not that she isn’t competitive and wants to be the best but the concept of being in the top or bottom of the class just didn’t signify. So not to make it about Brown, but I did bring it up as an example of the type of school culture in a top school to look at if you don’t want a cut throat environment. This just really discredits Gladwell’s arguments and I feel he is really misleading people in service of a smart infotainment concept. Why does that student think she will pass organic chem elsewhere?</p>
<p>I guess your daughter really needs to look within, and how she responds to stress and competition and external validation. Not that anyone wants to go some place it is beaten out of you, but really this is sort of a “fit” issue perhaps, and career fit as well. I think some colleges do have a weeder class culture, but at the end of the day you have to pass organic chem anywhere you are.</p>
<p>My daughter was in varsity athletics in HS and I think that sort of competitive spirit and developing grit and determination and not being a quitter is pretty good for your mindset.</p>