Yes this is exactly how we feel. It is and always has been his choice and his alone. For a kid that has so much trouble identifying preferences, we want to make sure that his choice is based on things that actually matter to him. He struggles with introspection, which is why he has tried to default entirely to price. I wonder if he might still be doing that despite our instructions not to.
Purdue’s housing deposit is non-refundable ($500) and he aims to decide by then. But if he’s still torn up about deciding, I’m fine with depositing and then eating it if he changes his mind before May 1. To me, that’s a small price to pay for his peace of mind, if necessary. He’s been such an easy teenager, so agreeable and a real trouper through everything (including a bunch of health problems).
He seems indifferent to being away from home. We’re in Chicagoland, so he’s got good transport options. The travel costs aren’t bad at all. Spouse and I are quite verklempt these days, so of course we would love him being closer (haven’t told him that). But we all enjoyed our trip through upstate NY this summer. I mean, WEGMANS?! I’m feeling better about the idea of him picking any of these. He’s not choosy, and I’d imagine he’ll be happy at any of them.