Addenda. Actually she will do best in the admissions process if she has some defined goals. These are not etched in stone, she can make changes later. She will come off stronger if she has a purpose to attend a college than if she has nebulous STEM goals. It is possible to want economics and/or a science and make a final decision after some college courses. Having reasons to choose her major will help her choose appropriate schools. Remember, it is not the prestige of the U, but rather it is the availability of the education that meets her goals that matters most. Sometimes the better departments in some fields are not at the elite schools but at other top tier places.