<p>There's this girl that I absolutely love. She has a great personality and we both have the same tastes in music, food, etc. We've been good friends for about a year. Though I really want to engage in a more serious relationship, there's something that hinders me from doing so: her academics. Mind you, I don't mind people who try their best for school and grades, but this girl (so I've heard) asks other people for their grades and constantly remarks that she wants to go to Harvard. "If I don't, my safeties will be Brown and Columbia." What saddens me more is my goal to get into Columbia; yet, she treats it as if it requires no skills whatsoever to get into. The funny thing is, even though I never heard her say any of these things, I'm not too fond of them. </p>
<p>Intellect isn’t based off of grades. Nor is it based off high ambitions. Also, I highly doubt she actually thinks this. It either means a) she has a self-imposed superiority complex, b) she’s trying to make other people feel bad, c) she’s trying to reassure herself, or d) she has no idea what it takes to get in–simply because there is no magic formula. There is no way to make sure.</p>
<p>Are you afraid she’d look down on you for simply hoping to get into Columbia, as opposed to her being certain? Don’t be. You have a dream school; don’t ever let anybody belittle it. Colleges are different, and you like Columbia for different reasons, whereas she might treat it as a safety. [Which I reeeally doubt is a wise choice.]</p>
<p>Also take into account the fact she’s never asked you/told you these kinds of things; what you’ve heard might be a blown-up version of something she may or may not have said. If she doesn’t try to force her college views and whatnot on you, [if she’s trying to reassure herself] then why should it really matter? You’ve known her for about a year; maybe she doesn’t put up the “Brown/Columbia as safeties” front with you, because you know her better.</p>
<p>There are so many different aspects to a relationship. Under no circumstances should someone’s supposed college safeties hinder something you want. I would advise you, however, to take into account the fact that you might be attending different colleges soon.</p>
<p>Go to Yemen and just ask around. Eventually you will be directed to some mysterious guy who will offer to ‘solve your problems’. Give him Harvard’s address and there you go–problem solved!</p>
<p>Or just get over this annoying girl. I wouldn’t be surprised if she was a CC member.</p>
<p>And it’s not really like academics are important to a relationship. Football players date girls who don’t play sports, so why can’t an academic superstar date someone less academically strong?</p>