<p>Absolutely agree ricegal. Looking back on the process - I think we had TOO many safeties on our list. And there's no way that I would pay huge $ to send our son to a big OOS public school that's comparable to our school here in PA. Our son got into PSU honors, decided to attend and has been very happy. Also not sure Lehigh and schools of that caliber are worth the extra $ over your CA state options. My son turned down Lehigh, Wake Forest, Richmond, Dickinson and Gettysburg (some of these with $). I think he would have gone to Cornell or UVA - but he didn't make it in.
But you may have a different situation since you're looking for a small school. Good luck to your son!</p>