<p>I certainly wouldn't argue about the top quality of education at NESCAC schools and kids are always making decisions between Ivies / NESCAC's / other great schools based on many factors. Really can't go wrong. However, I would differ about the level of athletic competition. I have had a D compete in Patriot League, a S in NESCAC and (hopefully) a D in IVY(already committed) The level of athletic competition in most sports (really don't know about squash, skiing, etc) is VERY different.If I have heard it once, have heard it a hundred times "I could have played D I but decided I really liked D III better"... which is absolutely fine!!! Just understand that IVIES, in many sports, are playing at the top level of their sports . See who hockey teams play, see who soccer teams play, see who lax teams play, swimming, track and others. Last year's Yale women's soccer team began with games against UNC and Duke !! NESCAC teams and players are simply NOT on same competitive level as those in Patriot , IVY leagues. whole different world.</p>