I have a PhD in clinical psych from Emory and my S considered the Oxford/Emory option when he was making decisions. It seems like a good fit for your daughter and I like the benefits of both the small LAC and the university closer to Atlanta. I don’t think it’s terrible for your D to have prestige in mind, but obviously it shouldn’t be the driving force. As long as the fit is there and it is affordable, it’s understandable that she is somewhat influenced by prestige. The problems seem to arise more when one is choosing a much more expensive and sometimes unaffordable option based on prestige alone. However, you are visiting and asking a lot of great questions. My S was definitely influenced by prestige, but he was convinced he’d be happy at any college and budget was also a big factor for us.
Yes, keep an open mind about the future and what might capture her interests. The PhD programs are funded, but it it still very competitive getting in and you end up spending most of your twenties in school and not earning. She might like some of the other options already suggested, or go in another direction. Best of luck to your daughter!
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