<p>While I think there might need to be the push at least to visit Dartmouth, so that he can make a truly informed decision, remember that no matter what you think would be best for him academically or socially, the decision should ultimately be his and his alone (assuming that money really isn’t a problem). </p>
<p>Back when the dinosaurs roamed, I had narrowed my choice to two fine schools. I preferred one, my mother preferred the other (strongly). There was no ultimatum, like “you go to the school I want you to, or we won’t pay,” but I didn’t want to disappoint her since she was so excited about the school. I went there. I got a fine education, but really disliked it. It didn’t fit my personality, learning style, or give me the college experience I wanted. And I know that, over the years closer to when I was in school, I held it against my parents for “making” me go there.</p>
<p>Do you want that responsibility for your son if he doesn’t like it? Or do you want him to be able to say, “OK, this was my choice. Why did I choose it? What can I learn from the decision making process and from the decision I made?”</p>
<p>Remember that whatever choice he makes, your son is, by definition, leaving his comfort zone; every college student is. He’s going away from home for an extended period for the first time. He’ll be responsible for his own education, his own time management. He’ll be living with a bunch of kids he’s never met, perhaps sharing a room for the first time. Even if he’s shared a room before, it’s different sharing one with a stranger rather than a sibling. He’ll need to make new friends, new networks, new connections. He’ll be thinking, “What if I can’t cut it?” perhaps for the first time in his life. All of this is plenty scary and uncomfortable.</p>
<p>The difference between the South and New England? Unless the kid wants to experience it, it’s trivial.</p>
<p>Give him the information he needs (which probably includes a visit to each school), and let him decide.</p>