<p>Yes, yes, yes. Keep up the research and encourage him (gently;)) to think more about what’s important to him. To whatever extent you can, I would say let him visit the schools, hang with the students, and get a real feel for what each place is like. Anywhere he goes, Engineering will be a punishing curriculum. The feeling of fitting in and being “among his people” (wherever he finds them) will help to see him through the late nights and killer problem sets.</p>
<p>Is that comfort factor an absolute requirement – no – see rocketDA, who saw intrinsic value in the toughness of the Core, and who I believe would succeed anywhere on sheer force of will. I find his story inspiring and am personally grateful that he shared it last semester. But I do think it’s ideal to have both – the long-term reward of opportunities you know the education will give you, and the immediate reward of really enjoying the place you call home for four years.</p>
<p>Good luck to your son in his search and applications – and to you in getting through senior year intact! :D</p>