Exactly, there is something to be said about collaborating with, learning from, and sometimes competing with, the best and brightest student body that brings out the best in you. Are there very smart kids at many colleges, of course, but with the most selective colleges, every class you take will have a disproportionately high concentration of smart and talented kids just like your son. I think parents like you understand these intangible benefits and seek them out for their kids.