“And it’s hardly a dead-end to earn a degree from Michigan State, Western Michigan, Mich Tech, or other state or private institutions. In short, we see very little of the “Ivy or Bust” mentality among our high-schoolers.”
-For sure kids in Midwest (not only in Mich) are not infected with the Ivy hype, exceptions are always there, but overall, very many top kids with stragiht As, high scores and multitude of interests are primariy seeking full tuition, full ride Merit awards to lift a burden of UG payment and free family resources for Grad. schools. While there are free options to get a Grad degree, these are mostly in sciences. Most important, these kids find great opportunities for all their pursuits at their public in-states as well as some privates, and at the end achieve everything that they planned and plus. The important factor is to be at the place that fits you and since there are plenty of these kids who never even apply to Ivy / Elite, they can find their crowds at any place as well as widen their social horizon including kids who are outside of intense academically focused students.
The Ivy / Elite hype is more NE / CA thing, we can do just fine without…and have done very fine without…