<p>It can be a reach school. No denying that. But often what clouds the judgment there is that it can be the ranking and prestige that interferes with sound decision making, or one sets their heart on that one school and when they get rejected or waitlisted they absolutely tank…and sometimes tank their last semester grades in high school. I have seen it happen. Its fine if you are being realistic about who you are, your expectations, and a strong sense of how well you will do there and fit in. I just caution people not to get all giddy about prestige. That wears off really fast if you are over your head, drowning and miserable. </p>
<p>As for reaching for the stars…of course…everyone should challenge themselves as best they can. But not to the point of being sick. Or ruining the overall college experience, which is about growing up, socializing on an adult level, and learning to be independent, all mixed in with a lot of fun.</p>