<p>^^^ While generally what you say is true, it certainly doesn’t apply to all students. I can name oodles of examples of students who just don’t care themselves, yet they come from great “academic” parents. Many even did well in elementary (when the parent has more control), but changed direction in high school. It’s always sad to see, but it happens rather frequently. I can also name students (not as many, but some) who come from the worst of homes or situations, yet overcome it all and do well. I really tip my hat to the latter. Our planet needs more like these.</p>
<p>My guy? He’s a great kid and admired by all who have him in class. He even digs deeply into subjects he cares about (usually surpassing his teachers). He just doesn’t care to work at anything he doesn’t care about. The SAT/ACT and deeper math/English to do well on them are in the latter category. He maintains his As in school, but our school has the bar pretty low for content. The kids I talk about in the previous paragraph often don’t maintain their grades or ambition. Sometimes it’s drugs. Sometimes it’s video games. Sometimes it’s just apathy or peers. I feel for their parents (who are often trying to do what they can).</p>
<p>One can’t always blame the parent.</p>