<p>Norcal guy is definitely right. The fact is that there are a lot of people that talk about fit and environment, etc. and then just pick the best ranked school they got into, not caring about anything else. Location is important. Weather is important. You need to decide where you want to live for the next 4 years, as well as the academics involved. I know at least 2 kids who got into Stanford from the East Coast who went there because it is one of the top ranked; one of them regretted it as all his connections were back home and he wants to get into finance. His father could have got him a great part time position at a wall street investment firm during the school year had he gone to NYU or Fordham, etc. But he went to Stanford for the name and now regrets it as he can’t get any real experience outside of the summer- but he does love the weather out there.
Everyone is different. Do what is best for you.</p>