In the OP’s case (pun partially intended), it might be a little more complicated. I don’t know many people who would choose Case over Chapel Hill, and the OP was almost guaranteed admission to the latter as a NC resident with glorious stats. Case could have offered a massive scholarship, in order to attract him with an irresistible aid package, but I did not infer that the OP had serious financial need and he would not enhance diversity in any way. I understand that many students prefer almost any school over their own state flagship, simply for a change, but - with no disrespect for Case whatsoever - they might want to know that this student had any interest at all, given his near-certain admission and in-state tuition at UNC-CH.