<p>Dunn, did, I believe attend one of HPYSM, also, I believe. </p>
<p>He’s a valuable contributor on this and the main board and gives great insight to the college-selection process. If you choose to ignore his advice, that’s one thing, but let’s not insult someone for trying to tell it as it is.</p>
<p>I agree, if she wanted to maintain grades, USC would probably be the best choice of the three. USC probably sends a lot to dental and pharmacy school, but not so much to med school. UCLA and Cal are atop or near the top of all colleges in the naiton in feeding med schools, with > 700 applying from each / year. USC has typically > 200 and < 250 applying per year…less competition, more laid back.</p>
<p>Theres greater grade inflation at private schools. This is in large part because private-schools are dependent on tuition for operating costs, so if they became weed-out institutions, there could be large financial concerns for the school. This doesnt belie the fact that Cal Tech, a private school, is probably the toughest college on the planet. </p>
<p>Anyway, it sounds like your daughter’s mind is made up, so good luck to her at Cal. Since shes confident in her choice, thats one battle won already.</p>