<p>I think, but of course, I don’t know, there is a chance that your parents might mellow out about the whole Ivy-or-bust thing as the college process moves along, only because through my observation it seems that’s the trend most parents tend to take. Many parents don’t realize how exponentially harder it is to get into these places than it used to be due to the mega-increase in competition, how many completely qualified kids get turned down every year, and how astronomically more expensive it is to attend them.</p>
<p>So while it may not be real advice, I guess I would suggest to you to not worry an exorbitant amount about it now. Apply to where you want to apply, apply to where your parents want you to apply, make sure you apply to a few places you will definitely be able to afford, make sure you apply to a few places you will definitely get into, and once all the dust has cleared you can see how the situation looks.</p>