<p>Seems like a pointless thread :) It doesn't matter who you turned down or where you applied, as long as you end up in a place that's a good fit academically and makes you happy, whether or not it was your first choice. </p>
<p>If you really really don't like a place, don't apply (unless of course your parents force you to.) But recognize that your priorities will change as the year goes on, and your choice of top school is likely to alter as well - so also recognize that keeping some options open is a good thing, and you'll be older and wiser in April than you are now.</p>
<p>I am telling my daughter the college facts of life - small college vs bigger (she has said no to large public), well known vs less well known, etc, but at the end of the day, it's her life....</p>