<p>Oh yes, I definitely think it is a good idea to have some diversity in the mix, and your preference may or may not crystalize as you get more familiar with the schools and go through the entire process (starting to write essays usually teaches you a lot about yourself!). My 2 kids’ second choice schools were Harvey Mudd (my Olin S) and Pomona(my D)–and I do think they each would have been happy if they hadn’t gotten into their first choice schools. But my son wouldn’t have been as happy at Pomona or at his sister’s ultimate school, so that’s why I mention it. And I’m pretty familiar with the 5-C’s, since both DH and I went to one of the Claremont Colleges!</p>