<p>Apply to all 5 then see how things shake out with admissions and aid. They do span a fairly wide range of selectivity. Still, unless you are a Florida resident, you may need at least one other school as an admission/financial safety. I agree with others who advise you not to apply ED if you are not sure this late in the process.</p>
<p>I’m fairly familiar with Carleton (lived in Northfield one year and had friends there), and have a son at Colorado College who loves it. They are all interesting schools, similar to each other in some respects but each with their own special characteristics. Yes, Carleton is hard, but don’t underestimate the challenges at any of the others. Although you will not find many prize-winning, world famous faculty at any of these schools, the professors will get to know you, they will keep you working, and you won’t be able to hide in the back of a 200-student lecture hall.</p>