I’m curious if you are religious at all? Just asking because you have Holy Cross and Fordham on the one hand, and Brandeis on the other. If you might feel more comfortable with one or the other, that may be something to keep in mind.
My son is also considering the mid year start at Brandeis. If he does it, he would go to Florence first semester. We have lived abroad in the past though, so that sounds fun to him and doesn’t make him nervous at all. He is also interested in the strong Jewish life at Brandeis (even if it’s not a Jewish school). Do you think you might enjoy a semester abroad? I think there is an info session tonight about study abroad for midyears.
I would definitely give serious consideration to your “discounted” options --Fordham, Conn College and Kenyon are all amazing schools. Do you prefer urban, suburban or rural?