My DS looked at both SPS and Choste–there was something about each school that he didn’t even apply to either. He loved MX and prior to getting through the entire process, MX was his top choice far and above either of those schools. That’s why every school isn’t for everyone. I agree with @GnarWhail’s point about getting off the WL. I don’t think it was a slam on MX by leaving it out of the example given. And completely agree about the easiest position is to not have a choice! 
FWIW, these days Choate also has a reputation of being a merciless, soul-crushing machine whose only function is to pound everyone on the campus into the same joyless robotic mould. I personally do not agree, but what is Paradise for one kid or family might well be Cocytus for others.
Opinions differ.
And if you’re writin’ the check or putting out your hand, your opinion is the one that matters most to you.
I agree with @GnarWhail’s assessment of how people feel like when they have a shot at something few people do, they feel they should take it. But it doesn’t mean they should. And the gifted kids who are seduced by these opportunities are the ones who could do ANYTHING! Yet they allow themselves to take the "selective " bait. It can go well or it can, over time, distance them from their real passions.
These are all terrific schools. If a student feels that one is more likely to allow them to be who they are and be happier, how smart would that kid be to give that up for a fancier name? It’s never too early to work on this kind of personal discernment.
This is the whole “excellent sheep” argument, which I admit has played out pretty faithfully in the high achieving cohort I know.
Very eloquently put @gardenstategal!
Choate and SPS have a little more name recognition than MX. To outsiders, that’s the only difference. If you don’t care about it, then outsiders have no say of it. By outsiders, I mean people who don’t have experience with both schools. Good luck with your choices!
Just got off the Choate waitlist this morning 
so grateful to get this opportunity. Good luck to the rest of you!!
Congrats @Allenz6107 !!!
@Allenz6107 Congratulations!
@Allenz6107 Congrats! Class of '21?
Great news! @Allenz6107 Have you accepted or are you accepting the offer?
Fantastic news @Allenz6107 Good Luck with your decision!!
Thanks everyone! @panpacific yes I accepted the offer @lusitari yep class of '21!!
Congratulations!!
@Allenz6107 Congrats! Couldn’t get into a finer community of scholars who inspire, challenge and support one another! Forever true to gold and blue.
Congrats!!! @Allenz6107
We just got confirmation that Groton will not go to its waitlist. SURPRISE SURPRISE
Have you/your kid been on it and hoping it would move? @buuzn03
it’s the 10th. Has everyone sent their deposit in? Earlier, a poster said the deposit had to be RECEIVED today. Is it that strict a requirement based on your experience?
@Allenz6107 congrats! '21
Buuznkid was on it and I think kind of hoped he would get a lotto pick…lol. We’ve had many reality discussions, and as of last week, I think he accepted the facts. But this is in black and white…they received enough acceptances to fill their slots and wouldn’t be going to the wait list. I’m not sure about deposits being a strict rule…although, with our acceptance packet, SMS sent wiring instructions for those that waited until A10, so, maybe other schools do the same…I’m no expert!
We just received an email that St. Andrew’s is fully enrolled for next year. Although they could have a spot open up before August 1st, they encouraged applicants to select another offer.