This has been a really interesting thread to read, with some factors I hadn’t really been thinking of previously. What is most interesting to me is the number of ways to define ‘average’, ‘excellent’, and ‘safety’. DS20 falls into (some) of the definitions with high stats, moderate ECs, and no amazing hook. Like @bamamom2021, we will be fortunate to be able to cover in state flagship, but are chasing merit at other schools, or the possibility of ROTC for schools that are outside the amount we are willing to cover. I think when we first saw his ACT results, and DS started receiving so many emails from top 50 schools, we set our sights on the tippy top engineering schools. (he is our oldest and we are rookies at this). The value of CC and these boards is that we now understand how unlikely these options are (even if his numbers may fit). So- our lists are expanding to other schools, some I’ve seen on the lists in this thread, where there are ABET accredited programs, beautiful campuses, internship opportunities etc. UW- Madison, Alabama, Purdue and a number of others are on the list to research in addition to NC State. He will still do the application for 1-2 schools that we call Pie in the Sky, but more for fun than anything else. Thanks to the OP for starting the thread.
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