<p>Dad 2, it is understandable that you want the most highly desired schools for your kids. That is what makes those schools so desirable, for the most part. Not a problem to add them to the college list for your kids. But please bear in mind that it takes little to make a list with the ivies and other top schools. Not a challenge at all. And oh, it feels so good to visit them and lovingly try to assess one against the other. Oh, to discuss the merits of Harvard vs Yale, and whether MIT is better in another way. It really feels great and is ever so satisfying. </p>
<p>The tough part of the college search is to find those schools that are not so well known, not as selective and can yet deliver what your student wants in a school and home for himself. That is where the real work lies.</p>