<p>Looking at a range is good, as long as you (the parent) don’t hype the high-end, low-admit, super-pricey ones too much. We looked at everything from small, exclusive LACs to Harvard to high-ranked private Us to state flagships. Guess what? D choose a flagship. She actually doesn’t pine for the high-end places that she got in but could not afford. Her flagship offers many things that she values.</p>
<p>She did have options, however. I agree it would be hard if you only look at Harvard/etc and then do not even have a shot at that. But those types of schools are SO competitive! Even high-stats kids are unlikely to get in. Best to look at a range.</p>