@88jm19 - All of those choices sound top notch and it sounds like he can’t go wrong. I know some kids at our high school are planning to go to Michigan and people definitely love it there.
@takanuva - Yes, he is going into CS. He took the equivalent of CS 225 when he was a sophomore in high school (through a University) so I am hoping that credit will transfer and it’s one less course he has to take. I heard there is one CS class that has about 800 students in it, but if it’s the “entry” level one then I’m hopeful he can get out of that too. That is partly why we’re meeting with the advisor next week. No idea which requirements he will have met already in high school and which he will have to re-take. He will not like that. As far as living, he just wants to be by other Computer Science kids and a quiet place. We will have to check out the Union on our visit, although I think he’s been there. Is your son looking at Cornell at all? They have a very impressive program as well, but it wasn’t the right fit for my son and I don’t think he could have gotten in.
One thing I wish UIUC had is a Computer Science Learning Community. That sounds like it would be very appealing and maybe down the line they will, but to know you can take courses in your dorm and live with like-minded people must be reassuring and comforting for some students.