<p>Tbosmom - I don’t know much about prep schools, except what I read on CC threads. I assume they are a minority compared to the high stats kids at public schools with strong AP/IB programs… but not sure. (DS went to our district magnet IB hs. He had a pal a lot like your son, with some state honors too. He got accepted at some tippy top schools, not others). </p>
<p>If your son was taking the toughest classes available, he probably won’t be penalized. The rural background could give him interesting essay topics, change of pace from some others. In your shoes, I’d be looking at all options… trying to hone in on the best combo of fit and finances. </p>
<p>There are many terrific engineering programs, not just the few at the top of the rankings. To me it seems more so in engineering than other majors, but I’m an engi-nerd myself and I don’t know as much about other majors. </p>