<p>I agree with most of the advice about fit, large vis small etc…but cost should not be a factor in deciding where to look. It will be a factor in deciding where to go. When looking for a college people often make the assumption that they can not afford the private school and don’t even consider them. If you have an academically gifted child, the cost of a private school may turn out to be cheaper than your state school. Well known private schools have huge endowments and will give grants (which don’t have to be repaid) and merit aid. Public schools may also give merit aid but often give loans, not grants, and these will have to be paid back. Talk to your child’s guidance counselor but take what they say with a grain of salt. Find out your child’s gpa, both weighted and unweighted. If your child is in the top 10% the list of schools will be very different than if your child is an average student. If your child is interested in science, be very careful, as often these students are premed, and a cut throat atmosphere predominates at some schools. I hope this helps, and good luck!</p>