<p>DeskPotato, thanks for putting things in perspective. I may just apply for the heck of it, but I won’t if my list of schools is already long. a great thing aboutthe ivies-- they have lots of money and, consequently, lots of great offerings in just about everything. crossing my fingers and sending up prayers if I do apply! and what you said about Brandeis is exactly why I’ve stopped considering it, more or less.</p>
<p>momof3sons, northwestern is high on my list of “I’d love to go there!” schools but, like brandeis, it doesn’t offer merit aid… won’t stop me from applying at this point, though. 
may I PM you with more specific questions for your son if I ever think of any?</p>