<p>Deep Springs is indeed a gem, and though a 2 year school is often included in 4 year "Best College" guides because it is such a good deal. However, if the criteria for a hidden gem is to rival an ivy, is not reasonable as the main attraction for the top schools is the reputation and name appeal. Also though this board attracts more top school candidates, with the increasing number of apps to the most selective colleges, it has become important to research other schools. The old "safety" school is really the school that requires the most research. Any one can loll the names of the top schools and dream their preference between Princeton and Yale. It's a heck of a lotharder to find a school that is not selective and is a good deal in many respects. Finances are also playing a heavy role with the middle class as financial aid tightens and loans have become the main funding vehicle for those in that category. Also, Deep Spring and Olin are highly selective. The two kids I know who were accepted there also got into the top engineering programs. Those who were also good candidates did not get into the school. I don't know their stats, but the ones I know who did get in did not go, opting for a program with a track record. Other schools in that category of "free" would be Webb and Cooper Union, again very selective schools. The SUNY Merchant Marine Academy is an excellent alternative for those who do not have ROTC scholarship stats, and the academies are out of reach as well. It is the most flexible regarding graduation employment choices, and yet guarantees a pretty good deal. Beautiful location, and free for most kids. Not as rigorous as some of the Armed forces programs, and you are not likely to sent into combat. </p>
<p>Many years ago, the hot new things were Hampshire College and New College of Florida (am dating myself). Initially there was quite a rush to those schools, Hampshire because it was put together by the Amherst/Smith/MH consortium and shared their priviliges. New College was touted as Florida's Honor College, and it too, was free. Neither are particularly selective any more. New has been swallowed by another state school. So it is difficult to see where a start up school is going to go, particularly one that needs a lot of money since it does not charge tuition. I am even dubious of schools that do charge tuition and are brand spanking new. You just don't know where they are going to be in a few years. That was, by the way, the concern both families whose kids got into Olin was, and it is a justifiable one.</p>