<p>John117: I think the choice of choosing a safety over a dream school will be because of financial reasons most of the time. I also feel students who are thinking about saving some money during the UG years are looking down the road and not right in front of them. </p>
<p>Long term school debt is a well-known issue among many and it is wisely advised to avoid. This economy has opened a lot of eyes and costs are a major factor in many college decisions. Look at the thread “Top student” at a 3rd tier school… Four years later and you will see that an overwhelming number of posters support saving money for a safety.</p>
<p>If money is not one of your concerns consider yourself very fortunate.</p>