When we have an opportunity to do things that flatter us, we do so to our peril. Each year, I take a moment to refresh my memory of the importance of relative deprivation. Peer pressure and propaganda are so fierce that despite my annual ritual, I’m guilty of slipping every. Single. Time. Are you lowering your teen’s chances of success?
In David and Goliath, Malcolm Gladwell argues that being a big fish in a small pond is often more advantageous than being a small fish in a big pond. He highlights how students who attend highly competitive schools may struggle to stand out, while those at less prestigious institutions often thrive, gaining confidence and opportunities.
While I very much encourage you to pick up David and Goliath if you haven’t had the pleasure, you can get the most important points in just 19 minutes.
- You should never go to the best institution you get into. Never.
- Relative position matters more than absolute position.
- Your odds of successfully graduating with a science or math degree go down by two percentage points for every 10-point increase in the average S.A.T. score of your peers.
Most Likely to Succeed
- Choose an Environment Where They Can Excel Instead of focusing on prestige, help your teen find a college where they will be a top performer. This will open doors to leadership opportunities, scholarships, and valuable mentorship, all of which contribute to long-term success.
- Encourage Confidence Through Achievable Challenges Students thrive when they feel competent and capable. Placing them in an environment where they can master coursework rather than struggle to keep up builds confidence and motivation.
- Support Their Unique Strengths and Interests Encourage your teen to pursue fields where they naturally excel and enjoy learning. Students who feel a sense of purpose and passion in their studies are more likely to stay motivated, persist through challenges, and ultimately succeed.
