Scared to choose between JHU, Duke, WashU, and other amazing schools.

If the bottom line $$ is the same and you can’t find a compelling reason to choose one over the others, pick what you perceive as “happiness.” Somehow, once you have your final list of acceptances and financial aid packages the decision may practically make itself. Don’t waste time on worry when you have such great options. There are many qualified students who don’t get admitted or can’t afford these types of schools if they do.