ISO advice tips - working class mom with high achieving daughter and so-so son

OP, right now I would really try to stear clear of talking about college much at all. The only things I’d suggest to her is that her grades will now count so if she wants a shot later at selective schools like Amherst, she needs to have good grades and have taken a rigorous courseload. Then leave it be. Starting high school is an adjustment in and of itself.