<p>Johnwesley: have admired your posts for a long time, and this one reflects that admiration perhaps better than any single one. Protected environments, or let’s say the risk-averse cultures of some LACs, are a huge weakness that will strip away any advantage a 1500 (or 2250) average SAT score, or a top ranking in a poll, might suggest. “Doing” things that build upon the great education these colleges offer will distinguish those colleges worth attending (in 5 years, if not sooner) from those not worth it.</p>