<p>Dear chachacha : No defensive tone was intended, no offense was taken. [This year we seem to have seen more students than ever asking about top flight schools as safeties. The real competition figures remain strong which flags that some fundamental research is missing.]</p>
<p>Also, I now understand your strong commitment to attending a top school at the expense of potentially not attending anywhere. Not many students would take that strong stand, so applause to you for pressing the envelope on the quality of your education and the value for your dollar.</p>
<p>Given the IR focus, have you checked into the Tufts programs?</p>