Well, LOL, I don’t think you’re crazy. I’m sure Auburn is a very fine school, and being in the honors program will undoubtedly make a difference (although I personally think it’s a little cringey when asked where one goes to school to add on, “I’m/she’s/he’s in the honors program”, so you may have to swallow that to avoid sounding annoying). But the academic level of the average Vanderbilt student is very different from the level of an average Auburn student. We all know there can be pluses and minuses to that whole big fish/little fish situation. But I think it’s perfectly reasonable as the adult who is paying to question this decision (gently). There are many reasons for choosing a school that would concern me. Following a significant other is one, but I’d also want to suss out if my child was just undergoing a fit of lack of confidence. Maybe he/she is afraid they won’t measure up to their peers at Vanderbilt, and they just need a little encouragement. Maybe they are feeling a little lazy and don’t want to work as hard in college as they expect they might have to at Vanderbilt, and they need a little kick to know that as much as parents want their kids to enjoy college, they are going there for a major reason besides the parties and sororities (btw, I understand V is plenty fun, though!). Or maybe nervous to move farther from home, and just needs reassurance about that. Or other issues that can be managed if fully discussed. I think the suggestion of doing one last visit to her top 2 choices, keeping an open mind, is a good one. But if she is able to articulate very sensible reasons for her choice, then I would support her totally. And enjoy the savings, even if not completely necessary! I’m sure she’ll have a very successful life wherever she goes.
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