<p>Kei-o-lei: I started out with similar ideas until I really got into the process. I realized that I was investing in my child, not in the school. Therefore, it might be that Wheaton could help my child become all he can be better than Columbia if he needed the support, the small campus, the involved teachers, less pressure.</p>
<p>I would make sure I was getting something valuable for my money, and then the “name” of the school would not be an issue.</p>
<p>For instance, my D gets claustrophobic really easily. She needed good public transportation and desperately wanted to attend school in NYS. She was accepted to Barnard and attended. I initially said wouldn’t pay for NYU (big, anonymous school that didn’t have the greatest reputation when I was young, but it coming up) but I changed my mind.</p>
<p>She preferred Barnard, but I would have stretched for NYU as well.</p>
<p>I see your point, but I eventually came to think another way. Of course, your approach is just as valid. I just thought I’d mention it.</p>