<p>I completely agree that provincialism and preconceived notions prevent students (and their parents) from considering many wonderful colleges. I regret that my own earlier comments about my son’s closed-mindedness to the midwest and south led this thread in another direction. Let’s just help our kids find safeties they can feel excited about. When it comes to a safety, we want to minimize the sense of sacrifice and disappointment, and if that means ruling out certain schools by geography, religious affiliation, greek life, or whatever matters to our kid, that’s what we need to do.</p>
<p>I have a kid who has been a fish out of water all his life. He is an intellectual nerd in a Southern Calif beach community, where USC reigns supreme. I just want to find him a place where he will be intellectually challenged and socially comfortable. He has found a “dream school” that meets all of his criteria, and his chances of getting in are decent. This thread has given us some fantastic alternatives to consider if it doesn’t work out. College Confidential at its best!!! Now, off to the “Chances” forum… (just kidding).</p>