@StagNation…I think you have followed a very prudent course…and I don’t think you have waited too late to “figure it all out”. I think it is a very complex process for teenagers and families to sort out…and at the end of the day, you’re clearly going to have several excellent choices with good financial fits. So then you’ll be able to have fun teasing out the best social and academic fit among your acceptances…this will indeed be a very fine place to be sitting come March & April. At this point, try to sit back and enjoy the ride.
Your experience mirrors very much that of my son’s last fall (as well as that of a number of other families we know). We visited over 20 schools and, in hindsight somewhat foolishly, gave too much early emphasis to the heavyweights. In the end, his list was very similar and when the dust settled, ended up at Tulane with one of the DHS scholarships. Good Luck and keep up the good job!