<p>Placido: I have to disagree with you about WashU. Until my older son started looking at it, I knew little and didn’t think much of it. After being admitted to several top 25 schools, he chose WashU over some ranking in the top 10- and it really is an amazing school. I happen to believe it is among the top 2-3 in the country for premed, and has incredible research and other opportuniites for the undergrads, not just the grad students. It deserves it’s accolades. I also think USC is underrated in the national press…and not just becuse my younger son will likely matriculate here, but because it is a GREAT school for many majors. I think both WASHU and USC suffer from not having as much brand recognition as others. Everyone knows the name “Duke” for example, but they often don’t instantly recognize USC or WUSTL.<br>
And while “brand” recognition is nice, what is nicer is the great education at these places, better in my opinion than others more widely known.</p>