@bitznbatzn It was a combination of stress and anxiety, we think. The workload is unbelievably heavy and demanding, with it all culminating in the exam term at the end. She did not receive good support from psychological services, but her tutor and director of studies were accommodating and understanding. That was in her second year, she almost intermitted, then didn’t. Fortunately, she buckled down in 3rd year and met all of her goals, but it worried us for the entire year. She graduated with a 2.1.
So make no mistake: if you go to Trinity, you will find yourself in very strict competition - with yourself. This is a good article that should serve as a warning. http://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/oct/06/cambridge-university-student-depression-eating-disorders
I also agree with you that the Grandes Ecoles are roughly at the level of any of the top world schools. It is only parochial chauvinism that motivates so many Americans to claim the contrary.