<p>I think you are fine, nopoisonivy. Lafayette was one of my choices (match, not safety) many years ago, but I was going for their math program. I believe they give a slight edge to their humanities majors. I don't know anything about their art or art history programs either, but the school is first class in my book. And your son sounds like a fascinating young man. How many other schools did he choose? Harvard and Princeton just by their numbers are longshots for anyone, and Williams may be a tough one as well because it is so well known for its art history program, but with the gap year activities and homeschooling, your son does have a special spin on things. </p>
<p>I would have advised a true safety because I am risk adverse, and I would never categorize Lafayette as such, but for some kids with good, solid stats, and special ECs like your son, and like TheDad's D, Susan's daughter, both from last year's CC seniors, it is not a risky thing to do. Had he been engineering, however, I would be a bit concerned, as Lafayette does have some great candidates in that area. If your son has demonstrated interest and given the school its due in attention, I would say that he's in good shape.</p>