<p>Very interesting input from all. From a personal standpoint, DS1 applied to Chicago and Northwestern and got into both 4 years ago. DS2 who has better stats overall has a significantly lower chance of getting. Chicago had a 26% acceptance rate when DS1 applied, now DS2 is facing a 9% acceptance rate…the common app, fewer required essays and aggressive marketing means he probably won’t get into his #1 pick when he probably would have 4 years ago. Huge bummer for him.</p>
<p>The bright side? DS1 turned down Chicago and NU, picked a middle tier school that was particularly good for his major. He got a fantastic scholarship and had an amazing four years with enormous opportunities for mentoring, fellowships, research. Being a bigger fish in a medium pond meant lots of personal attention for him and not one penny of debt when he graduates.</p>
<p>Picking the right school for you, your finances, your major and not overlooking the hidden opportunities is the strategy. Obsessing over US News rankings is bad for most people and most colleges.</p>