@applier1 my heart goes out to you. You’ve been accepted to very prestigious schools. DS applied to three of them. As far as academic success, they are very evenly matched, especially PA and MX. But…OA is four times the size of MX. Would you feel comfortable not knowing everyone on campus, including faculty? Would you rather be in a more intimate setting where everyone knows you? Do you prefer being right in the edge of town or would you rather your school be in a more secluded/self-contained environment? Is your dorm setup important to you? From what I remember MX had all forms in each dorm, so there were experienced kids around the newer ones. These are things you may want to bring up to your parents.
We told DS if he had multiple choices, we would have the final say. BUT…that being said…YOU have to live there, YOU have to thrive, YOU have to adjust.
I’m not a very good communicator…especially in possible conflicting situations. So, I write. Maybe, it would be beneficial for you to write down your thoughts of each school. Why you prefer one over the other. Why you feel one may be more suited to your personality than the other. Why you feel that revisit day should be done at all schools before a decision is made. Maybe if they can just read your well-thought out pleas, they’ll be more open to the school you feel most comfortable with. And who knows, revisits may change their (or even your) mind.
Here’s my confession. One year ago, DS had two very similar schools at the top of his list. They were both the same size, secluded, chapel oriented, has the ECs and sports he wanted and were both academically vigorous. One of these schools is much better known as a “prestigious” school. Had DS gotten into his #1 ranked school (he was WLd) in addition to his #2 ranked school, we probably would’ve chosen the #1 school because of its “branding”. Almost a year later (although it didn’t take that long at all), we are more than sure what a mistake that would’ve been for DS and his personality. I thank God every day that didn’t happen, because if I had been the cause for DS to live in a wrong fit school, I’d beat myself up about it forever.
DS is at the perfect place for him. I hope with some communication and compromise, your family can find the perfect place for you from the choices you’ve been given. As DS just stated (he’s home for break and looking over my shoulder) the differences in those schools academics is like splitting hairs. It is the other things about the school that will make real difference to you.
Good luck and hugs! Even parents can have tunnel vision sometimes!!!