<p>Wow, this thread took off, it’s been so ridiculous these last few weeks with SAT and finals I haven’t had the time to check back. In response to a few comments, yes I am considering LACs. I have three on my list, Harvey Mudd, Pomona, and Bowdoin. I also am applying to a number of private non LACs (Stanford, Brown, UPenn, Caltech, MIT). The UCs are serving as my backups and reaches, for the most part. I live in San Diego, and have spent a considerable amount of time on the UCSD campus, and I visited Cal a few years ago. My dilemma comes mostly from the fact that out of an one hundred person class, historically for the last six years 16+ students have gotten into cal. Considering that I am the valedictorian with a 4.3W/4.0UW, 2250 SAT (hopefully will boost after the June 1st results), and good ECs (for details check my chance me post), I have a good shot at most of the UCs. My school is really considered a feeder to the top UCs (30+ get in to both UCSD and UCLA as well). So with the UC’s number based application, the dilemma then comes down to not getting in, but the quality of an undergraduate education. I really value that quality over any reputations or exernal perceptions. The only ranking factor that I put weight on is grad school prospects. I am considering a pre-med track, but I truly would prefer to be a research scientist. My dream is to go the PhD route instead, provided I could get a job as well. In part, the ultra-competition of high school has worn my emotional and physical health down. I worry that a college with a similar environment may lead to a miserable four years. Any more less-tangible experiences from current/recent former students would really be appreciated to see if it’s worth the extra $70 to apply to cal.</p>