Originally Posted by ultramarina
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I also think that not getting into the GT program is not the end of the world. I think you also need to relax. We have been in two districts, neither has GT programs of any kind. But both are top (or near top) districts in their respective states and many students in the districts are very accomplished.

Yep, well...with all due respect, not the situation here. I have an older kid, so we're pretty familiar with our options. If DS does not get in we have a complicated situation on our hands. I don't think getting in to GT programs is the be-all in MANY, probably MOST, situations. Because of how things work here and in our particular case (due to zoning), it matters a lot, unfortunately.

I am trying not to infect him with my stress. It's hard because his sister also is aware of the situation.

You're in a tough spot. On the one hand, the stakes are, as a matter of fact, very high. On the other hand, the generic advice "relax and have fun" and maybe "please try to do well" is still good advice. Maybe have him realize that doing well means school will be more fun, without burdening him with how unspeakably horrible the wrong school would be for him (and the family) if he doesn't do well enough.