@RichInPitt yes, I agree, we are going to spend 3 days at Purdue in a few weeks and then go back to visit a few schools again before we make our decision. I believe these schools are all very good choices. What I meant by “nothing compares” is that he had just had his heart set and mind made up on CMU - he’s only 17. I’m trying to do my due diligence and learn as much as I can about all the schools so that he can make the most informed decision about which school will be the best fit for him. I want him to go to whichever school he feels the best about and where we think he will most thrive. I really appreciate everyone’s input. I am totally new at the entire college search process!