I’ll echo the others - you need to make sure you have some financial safeties on the list. The majority of schools on this list offer mostly need-based aid so you need to make sure you can afford them (will qualify for some need-based aid or can afford the full pay rate). I wouldn’t suggest ED if you aren’t certain you will be able to afford these schools as it is binding. In terms of a bump down in selectivity around Boston you can look into Bentley, Babson and Brandeis – all very good schools, but not as difficult to be admitted. Bentley and Babson both offer merit, although I am not sure how competitive or generous it is.