I think they wondered how a 4.2 could be a perfect unweighted GPA, now how you could get one. But, perhaps this OP school gives 4.2 for A+, not 4.3, so it could happen I suppose. I’m not sure how any kid would get all A+ though. That kid might want to consider a more challenging school to hold their interest and development!
On the original question: I don’t think it matters if real or hypothetical. It’s a good and often discussed Q.
To me, there are 2 important unknowns: as folks have pointed out, what = lower tier here? And can the family afford Harvard, or will they finance it with loans?
Never worth it regardless of other school:
-If financing 100% with loans: To me, the answer is not worth it no matter what. $200k+ in loans is just ridiculous to expect anyone to pay back between the ages of 22 and 32.
-If Med school on horizon, H not worth it. Focus on grades and save your $.
-If the “lower” school is just “inches” down the continuum.
Maybe worth it:
If lower means Evergreen State, Alabama, or BGSU, or ASU, or Temple, or FSU, etc…then it may be worth it if it can be afforded without too much in loans and doesn’t cause the family too much hardship. It’s a once in a lifetime chance. But it’s not the end all be all. If it is financially painful to the family or the future of the student, any of those “lower tier” will give you a fine education for free! Seriously. Many of us can tell you that story where the student ended up very happy, successful, and/or wealthy. It has happened to many of us or our kids. (And don’t pound me for choosing these. I stuck in the one I went to as well!!!)
Always worth it:
If you can comfortably afford H, and you love it more than the other school, and you can afford grad school too, you should do it. YOLO.