David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants

as it may be—matters. How you feel
about your abilities—your academic
“self-concept”—in the context of your
classroom shapes your willingness to
tackle challenges and finish difficult
tasks. It’s a crucial element in your
motivation and confidence.
The Big Fish–Little Pond theory was
pioneered by the psychologist Herbert
Marsh, and to Marsh, most parents and
students make their school choices for
the wrong reasons. “A lot of people
think that going to an academically
selective school is going to be good,” he
said. “That’s just not true. The reality is
that it is going to be mixed.” He went on:
“When I was living in Sydney, there