Many people turn down “more prestigious” colleges than they attend. Both of mine chose the ultimate safeties over reaches. One got into 17 schools but chose to attend #16 of #17.
By the way, better or more prestigious - that’s ranking, etc. and that sells magazines. There’s really not a top 20 or better.
There are “Ivy League” kids at Mizzou - but chose to attend Mizzou for other reasons. Most may choose a school based on cost or location. Or Honors, etc.
My kids chose based on - one got his own room and the other just loved the school she accepted. When we visited, I knew that would be the one even though we probably saw 20-30 more after.
I don’t disagree with you what it shows (to you) but who else would know? It won’t ever come up on a grad school or job app. One you get to where you are going - Williams, Mizzou or otherwise - you’ll create your path. There’s zero reason, other than self pride, to apply to a school you can’t afford.
Are you going to put on your resume:
BS, Biological Sciences, Mizzou
Also admitted to U Chicago but turned down.
That’s sort of what I’m getting at. For your confidence - that I get. Growing up, I was desperate to get into a UC so I could say I did with my 2.8 and I did. They didn’t have my major. I never considered the school - but I did get in and well, I guess for pride (at the time).
Did you know, last year Harvard had 170+ schools represented in its law school this year near 150. For MBA - I have o count again but I think it’s 160.
What you do in school will be what matters for grad school vs. where you go. Schools like Oakland, Ohio Wesleyan, Fairleigh Dickinson, University of wherever get into these schools.
Now, most PhD students may come from elite schools - but that’s because they were able to get in to begin with - a top tester, rigor taker in HS will be in college vs. the school they go.
And just look at some profs - look at Mizzou for example - very good school.
PHD - Wayne State (in Detroit)
Maryland, then PhD UNC
Simpson College, then PhD OK State
PhD Mizzou - no undergrad listed
PhD UGA - no undergrad listed
It’s hard to find undergrad at a lot of schools as they don’t list them but you’d be fine at Mizzou.
And obviously Williams, Chicago are great but they’re not affordable (and frankly, given your self recognized lack of rigor, not realistic anyway).
OK - whatever you decide is fine - but I don’t want you to be under false hope that getting in somewhere and saying no will help you get in somewhere later.