<p>To the OP:
It may be helpful to visit the thread, “Brag About Your Lesser Known School,” on three accounts:</p>
<p>(1) ‘lesser known’ schools often generously merit-aid the high-scorers
(2) many of these values have been further discussed in books like “The Hidden Ivies” and “Looking Beyond the Ivy League.”
(3) many of the posters on the thread just referenced, are graduates of Elites themselves (HYPSM) and/or already have a son or daughter in such an Elite. Thus, you can safely assume high standards from these posters.</p>
<p>Just an idea.</p>