@OP I would recommend adding Tufts, American and possibly Rice (because of better odds for acceptance for Oregon applicant, merit scholarship/generous aid availability and on campus think tank-Baker Institute) to his list. As an Asian probably chances of acceptances at Ivies and as an out of state at California schools are very low. Good LACs are generally too expensive for high EFC.
@collegemom3717 - thanks for a very detailed response with good advice. Will look up Dickinson - was not on our radar at all. Initially my DS was probably aiming high, I think he has recalibrated himself. Attraction with Emory and Columbia was the strong Sciences. In his more recent list, both have come off.
@CupCakeMuffins - thank you. Good input. He has indeed added American to his list. He had visited Rice when that was the direction, he was heading and he loved it. Had not considered it for IR - will take a look at the Baker Institute.
@txstella - thank you for the pointer on GW. This is one that he is considering adding to his list.
@Waiting2exhale - thank you. One other attraction is a potential joint degree with Georgia Tech. Does anyone know about the Sam Nunn Center at GT?
@Riversider - GT continues to be his dream. He knows that he needs some great Recommendations. He is not sure but he is hoping for some of his extracurriculars to help.