<p>BTW: I do agree with Cue7. At the level of top 10 or 15 schools, the fit is far more important than whatever prestige factor one can conjure up in one’s mind. Though I did participate in this line of discussion (because I couldn’t pass up the opportunity since the statements were so far from my own observation), I believe discussion on the ranking difference, boasting, etc at the level of U Chicago, Duke, Penn, Columbia etc is becoming rather silly. </p>
<p>I know a Harvard kid who was miserable, transferred to a top liberal arts school (known to be tougher academically - to show you that it was not the academic rigor of Harvard that was the problem), and is very happy. Harvard was not a good fit for him. I don’t think his professional prospect is compromised because because of this (actually may even improve since his happiness may let him perform better in his classes), but he will remember his college years far more fondly. This, in my mind, is a very important factor.</p>
<p>There are kids who will be very happy at Chicago, but not at Duke. And there are kids who will be miserable at Chicago but would thrive in Duke. Then there are kids who would thrive in either place. Go with the fit.</p>