<p>Phantamorgic all I can say is good luck in life…</p>
<p>Hogwarts: I feel bad and think you kinda got the wrong impression about schools other than the top ten in the US. As you begin this journey speak to other schools and see what they have to offer. Call the admission counselors and ask them questions like, "Why should I consider a school like ‘you’ over a school like Stanford? I think you will find what they can offer you very surprising. Remember to also call schools like Stanford, Duke, Harvard and ask the same questions. Now you can compare them. Then of course visit the schools and see if they feel like a “fit” for you. My S started this process only wanting a large school. The college counselor that we hired very nicely recommended that we see a few small schools, like Richmond, Holy Cross, and Colgate. We went to them very reluctant. We really thought schools of that size (2800) could never have the facilities that one needs. We were so wrong. As a matter of fact the small schools have turned out to be the most intriguing of them all. The size is still a problem for my S because we come from a high school of the same basic size, and he feels its too small. But the facilities, internerships and overall “personal attention” you receive from the professors is second to known. Here in the NE we have some of the top LAC’s in the country. I have spoken to so many kids and they all praise their schools for their ability to turn out top students that are wanted by top graduate programs, law schools, and med schools. Holy Cross and Richmond have an 85% acceptance rate into Med School. Thats higher then many of the the top 10 national universities. And those kids are getting into Harvard, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Baylor, Duke Med schools. No one will look down on you in Med school because you came from a small LAC. Like I mentioned a very good friend of the family just got into Duke, Baylor, Pittsburg for his MD/PhD. (He chose Duke and by the way this program is one of the most competitive programs because its all for free, since it takes 10+ years to achieve the degree. The schools are extremely selective since they are footing the bill) In any case, he came from Stony Brook State University and for what its worth the incoming class at Duke is comprised of approx. 50% public school kids. The other 50% are LAC and a few from the Ivies and/or big ten. (Some more food for thought since you haven’t even mentioned any of the public institutions.) </p>
<p>So there is no shame in where you go. If you’re truly smart then you will follow your heart and go to the school that will best accomodate your needs, making you the best you can be. Once you’re the best, nothing or no one can stop you from being successful. Of course it nice to have a Stanford certificate, it certainly will open lots of doors but that’s it, after that its your hard work ethic, ability to communicate and desire to succeed that will take you places. Lets face it, only a small portion of the countries population are going to the top 10. Yet there are many more successful people out there who have done equally well for themselves. Why because they ‘wanted success’. The name will only take you so far. This I know from experience.</p>