You make some really interesting points; thank you for your post. I hope you’re right about my chances at Michigan, but if I get deferred then I am definitely giving SMU a closer look and Wisconsin as well. I readily admit that everyone I know who is at SMU totally loves it, and the “friends of friends” who are there are also really happy - so it may well be that I’m getting the wrong impression and need to get down there and formulate my own opinion. It would sure make my mom happy (who is a Texan). UT is overwhelmingly Texan whereas SMU is more “diverse” geographically, so I really did not consider UT - also UT is required to accept so many Texans that it makes OOS super difficult. (It is also way too hot for me - although the food in Austin is fantastic!). I do really like Texas, so I’ll be giving SMU a closer look if I’m deferred from Michigan which I think is likely. I like to party but am not into drugs, and I’d like a college with some racial and economic diversity.
Had no idea Choate sent so many kids to UConn - interesting data point. They’ve always been a big feeder to Yale.
Again, I appreciate your post. Who knows - I may Pony Up in the end!