I am in a similar dilemma as well. S1 knew he wanted Nursing so that made it very easy to apply to schools with direct entry BS Nursing programs. However, S2 is not sure if he wants to pursue health sciences (maybe Pt or OT) or Business. As he is a Cadet EMT we are hoping that during this Junior year he will get a taste for the health science side. But at this point we are looking at mainly larger universities that offer both career tracks in case he decides to transfer within the school. Its a lot more difficult but I can understand a 17 year old not knowing what they want to major in! There are lots of universities that are strong in many areas and have a good, solid name. Lets face reality that many people who go to these types of schools end up doing as well or better than those from Ivies - so an Ivy should not be the be all end all of a search. UMass Amherst, U of Richmond, U of Rochester, USoCarolina, Clemson, UAlabama are all on our list but we are also hoping to find a few more smaller, “safer” schools for him to apply to.
Having been through the “need for prestige” with S1 and having him land in a terrific (and perfect thus far) school that offers research and clinicals in some of the best hospitals in the nation (Boston!) we learned not to overlook programs and opportunities at the “safer” schools.
Good luck!