[univalent]

I went through this in 1998. Went from around 130 or so pounds in grade 10 to 200ish by the time I got into college. Would get up at 2am every day to study and spend every waking minute studying. The only exercise I got was walking around while still reading books. Still struggling with my weight after all these years. The pressure I went through those 2 years was indescribable. Spare a thought for folks who went through all this and didn't even get in.

[vishakad]

Absolutely. Knew of some who didn't get in and their self-esteem was pretty shot for some years.

[univalent]

I was one of those 'not so smart' kids that got in. I know this because I struggled mightily once I did get i to maintain a respectable GPA. I think the system is most brutal on middle of the road students like me. If you know you aren't good enough, you get an out. Or if you are really smart you can coast in. The average folks get hosed :)

[vishakad]

"Float to the top, or sink to the bottom. Everything else in the middle is the churn." - Amos Burton.