I know some NMH students who turned down HADES for NMH and it happens every year. My daughter is a 2016 grad who is now at a top 20 Univ with a 4.0 and she finds the work easy compared to NMH. Her bffs are at Duke, Wesleyan, Brown and all the rest. TBH I had the same concerns re rigor when we applied but I absolutely loved my daughter’s teachers and her classes(extended blocks and discussion based) were the best part about the school. That said, the live/work balance is much better than at our top ranked public and at many “top” BSs. The kids are happy. If you follow NMH on instagram, you can see recent games of human hungry hippos (skateboards and laundry baskets), sunk my battleship (canoes in the pool) and so many other great ideas. The kids also have great agency to make meaningful contributions to gay rights, and other issues that matter both on and off campus. The students have a meaningful leadership role on campus - not just your typical key club stuff. IMHO NMH can challenge the brightest kids (number theory, linear algebra, tons of critical writing and thinking, great debate etc) but your child will not be swamped and stressed and will have time to sleep. PM if I can help - huge hogger fan! I’ve read those negative reviews too but honestly don’t put stock in them.