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<p>If you actually have a shot at getting into HYP, and if your objection to them is really the money, then you are being extremely shortsighted in not applying. Have you even looked at the FA policies of those schools? For students whose family income is under $150,000, it is OFTEN cheaper for them to attend HYP than their state flagship.</p>
<p>If your objection is some kind of reverse snobbery, then you are also being very short sighted. Schools usually have a name and a reputation for a reason.</p>
<p>Of course, it is quite possible that you don’t have anything like the stats and resume to be a realistic candidate at those schools anyway, in which case you are wise not to give in to pressure to apply. There have been numerous posts on CC about kids who are big fish in very small ponds whose families and friends mistakenly assume they will walk into the super-selective schools and who encourage them to believe the same thing, alas.</p>
<p>I would urge you to look beyond your own doorstep, though. Luckily for you, as a VA resident you have numerous solid in-state options. It doesn’t sound like the place you have picked out is one of them. Frankly it sounds to me as if you are operating from a basis of fear: fear that you won’t get in and everyone will know, for example. Fear of moving away from home. Fear of being challenged. I hope you will at least apply to a range of schools within VA, including W&M. Things may look different in April. Give yourself a chance to have some choices.</p>