I guess it is how you look at the college selection process. For us, it is was an expensive business transaction. All of the mailings, emails, etc. were, for the most part, peripheral marketing drivel. As consumers, due diligence was our responsibility – so is advocating. Good preparation for the real world.
Today, GIYF “Penn State Academics” leads to two articles “Penn State produces 13 US Fulbright students for 2014-15” and “Penn State student selected as Gates Cambridge Scholar”. A nice summation appears here “http://www.centredaily.com/2015/02/21/4614629/head-of-the-class-penn-state-produces.html”
Lastly, DS told me he had just been to office hours with his Math professor; not only was the math clarified, but professor offered to (and did) help with Chem E homework as well – capable, willing and apparently enjoyed the diversion. I like this personalized product.
Good luck with your decisions!