<p>High School started last week for us and one of many greetings from other parents is "So, has * figured out where she's going to apply?" Since d is applying ED, I've already gotten the "I've never heard of it" response several times. I sometimes feel defensive (depending on the amount of bragging the other person has done, LOL). How do you guys deal with that one? </p>
<p>I've considered "Oh, don't feel bad, many people aren't familiar with the top LACs" or "Have you heard of Pomona or Amherst? It's very similar." or maybe the humorous "And that's how we like it; it keeps out the riff-raff."</p>
<p>A funny side-note - as an alum I haven't felt defensive. Maybe I don't care how I'm perceived, but I want everyone to know how fabulous d is <grin></grin></p>
<p>bingle, I may steal some of your proposed answers. ;)</p>
<p>mythmom is right, but it can be a bit frustrating. My answer depends on the asker. If they persist ("<em>Why</em> would he go there?") or are rude, up until this week I'd say, "Because it's one of the top five liberal arts colleges in the country." (I know, I'm not proud of myself.) Now, of course, I have to amend it to "top 10" or something.:p</p>
<p>I do find people who have heard of Carleton (who knew there were so many people from Minnesota in Texas?), and they are quite excited to discuss it with me. Of course, the typical conversation goes like this:</p>
<p>-So where does your daughter go to college?
-Carleton College
-Where is that?
-Minnesota
-I hope she has a coat</p>
<p>If I had a dollar for every time I've heard that, I might be able to pay for books.</p>