I think she thrives on being the best to some degree, in part because she feels subpar in other areas (not as many friends as some, slow runner, not good at athletics.
yup, I was another parent who found out, after the fact, that I was a 'easy A' junkie. It passed, but it made me chuckle.
Maybe work on social skills or athletics this semester. I wouldn't say aloud, time to shore up your self image in preparation for the skip, but I would do it.
A great book is called 'Good Friends are Hard to Find.' You read it and train social skills in you DD.
She might think it's ok to concentrate on being smart to compensate for slow running and poor social skills, but you don't have to agree with her.
Love and More Love,
Grinity
