<p>Thanks to all. mmaah - you were on with the growing up panic. I am pleased to report DD is back to herself. </p>
<p>One thing I heard from another parent is that ED students are getting pressured from some of their peers to stop entering various competitions (DD has placed at various writing competitions) because they “don’t need them anymore” but the peers that are waiting for their first choice schools do. I see business as usual again so haven’t approached DD, and she hasn’t said anything to me. If I see a drop off I’ll certainly approach her. Thoughts, anyone?</p>
<p>Hm. I would be less concerned with her acceptance being rescinded and more concerned with what may happen if she wants to transfer later. Yeah, it is her dream school NOW, but many transfers come out of their once dream schools. Remember, the HS record still applies when you transfer. Slacking off when she “doesn’t have to try anymore” won’t endear her to schools…</p>
<p>For that same reason, I don’t think that she should drop out of any competitions. I don’t know the specifics, but perhaps those awards could be put on applications for programs later on. I feel the pain of the RD applicants, and I admit to having similar thoughts for different situations, but I don’t think that it is right to verbalize that. Friends shouldn’t pressure other friends like that. Besides, if they would lose to her if she competed, they don’t deserve the prize anyway. If she wants to drop out, that would be a nice gesture, but she shouldn’t drop unless she really doesn’t care either way.</p>
<p>from what I can see she hasn’t slacked off at all when it comes to competitions - she really enjoys them. I was just caught off guard when I was informed that the kids who were accepted ED get pressure from those who are waiting (and still have potential to be updating their CVs for college admissions) to back away from these things.</p>
<p>Seems like the intra group competitive issues are the interesting topic to reflect on–and it is a good time for her to think about her priorities. Writing for the sake of it, the thrill of the competition, aspects of social standing and the value of those relationships. What does she lose by competing or gain by recusing herself? It is just such a classic example of how these kids are in a muddle of “adult-like” stress when they are still teen girls. And having some of them be “settled” on where they are going and others still in suspense is a real social stressor that she has to navigate, like it or not…I am so glad to be in midlife and not in high school!..This is one of those life situations where there is truly no “right” answer and she will have to trust herself to make a decision and accept where it leads and learn from that…</p>