<p>stanfordpanda15, I don’t have deep advice for you, but I do have some shallow advice. Pick several “safety” schools that you will be happy to attend and apply there as well. Don’t risk your self-esteem or your future on the elite college admissions lottery. The college application process, especially if you are aiming high, can deliver major blows to one’s ego. </p>
<p>My husband and I have attended and taught both at very elite institutions (including two on your list) and colleges a bit further down the scale, but still very good. There isn’t a huge difference academically. You can be happy and get a excellent education in many different settings. It’s actually much more common for college students to have trouble in school because they are having mental problems, than because they are incapable of understanding the work. So you need to make your highest priority taking care of yourself and protecting your sanity.</p>