<p>ok heres the deal. i've visited a couple of schools during the summer (Bowdoin, UVM, Colby, Brown, Holy Cross). Now what's wierd is the school i felt the best about out of those was UVM. it just felt right, i like the atmosphere, setting, and town and the like. but the difficult part is im pretty sure i can get into UVM, and its deffinately not out of the question to get into Bowdoin or even Brown. so what if i get into Bowdoin,UVM, and Brown. Obviously Brown and Bowdoin have better academics and are good schools but i liked my "safety" school the best. i would have assumed the "reach" schools would be the one you most wanted to go too. what do u think i shood base my decision on or have ne comments on how i should go about deciding this?</p>
<p>An interesting dilemma, but one that is also quite common. We have preconceptions of what schools are best for us, and when we visit them they don't appeal to us as much as ones we barely considered. I would go with your gut about UVM--you will be happier and you will thrive there.</p>
<p>I'm going to tell you something...something so shocking that a good percentage of CCer's heads will explode....sometimes the more prestigious university is the poorer choice. First of course see if you really can get in (I have seen "impressive" stats rejected). If you still like UVM when you get your acceptance letters, then by all means go. Worst case, you transfer. Best case, you thrive in the school and go on to dominate in your field or graduate school (at UVM, Bowdoin, or Brown). I have known plenty of people who opted for their "safeties" and had a blast. It'll require some introspection though.</p>