PLEASE, stop calling yourselves average. (I'll explain)

Chance Me / Match Me!
30

<p>I’m not exactly sure as to how this thread is “emo”; personally, I wouldn’t call it emotionally intense. I suppose that’s your prerogative. :-)</p>

<p>I’d just like to address a few statements you make:
“First, you obviously shouldn’t compare your statistics to the national average.”

And instead, we should compare your statistics to a group of elite students whose SAT scores often rank in the 90th percentile? Does that get us any further? I imagine it would lead to anxiety and feelings of low self esteem for the 95 percent of those who AREN'T in the SAT's little circle of achievers. As for the national average: why shouldn't we? Those kids are college-bound, too, even if they might be looking at different schools. Why should "we" be set apart from "them?" &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;"Second, it doesn't make sense to translate "average scores" into "average human being" in the first place. It's just silly. It makes no sense. There are a ton of of people with high grades and SATs who are just total dunces."

Well, I completely agree with you here. My problem is with those whose SAT scores are well above-average, yet STILL see themselves as underachieving and not academically competitive. The average student, you see, will get an SAT score in the 50th percentile and consider themselves underachievers because of it; the average College Confidential poster will get a SAT score in the 80th percentile and still consider themselves underachievers. </p>

<p>“What’s important to notice here is that the angst and prejudice displayed in this thread are indicative of a grassroots movement toward defining a new upper class…”

I did have to giggle at this. To start, I fail to see how my original post was angst-ridden (or emo); I was simply taking issue with those whose angst-ridden topics belie their impressive academic credentials. 
My biggest issue with this post, I suppose, is that I'm doing the exact opposite of what you imply. By comparing themselves only to one another, College Confidential posters have managed to separate themselves into their own "upper class." This class's standards are defined by the near-perfect applicants who post insane credentials in their "What are my chances" threads.
By reminding everyone that this board has an unusual number of Harvard, Yale, Stanford and Princeton applicants, I'm REMOVING barriers between "classes." I'm reminding people that they should consider themselves within the context of ALL applicants, not just a select few. By my standards, that message is tearing down class distinction, not contributing to it.  &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;"He only elevated the "community average" by alienating the far more numerous "national average"."
Please explain how my posting the national average alienates the national average. Indeed, mine was the first topic that I've seen so far that actually mentions the national average at all.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Feel free to respond. I'm in the mood for a thought-out discussion. :-)&lt;/p&gt;