<p>When I read the freshmen retention and 6-year graduation rates at many colleges and universities, I realize that many kids have bad first semesters, or bad first years, or several bad semesters/years, etc. Certainly a large number of students have academic difficulties.</p>
<p>When I read the individual CC posts regarding bad semesters, I pay heed. I think it’s important to attend a school where you’re solidly in the “middle 50%”, not the “bottom 25%” of HS scores/grades/academic capability history, so that there’s some cushion on college academic performance expectations. We’re avoiding the “reach” schools in DS’ candidate schools list.</p>