I remember my kid being pretty focused on the physical aspects of the school too…in the early phase. She didn’t mind older either. In looking back, it seems that the understanding of the schools takes time as each layer is analyzed…and some of the physical aspects are first…buildings, location etc. That’s good as they need to figure it all out.
From my experience (and seeing it many times here), kids do change their opinions over the year…particularly during auditions. My D was really looking closely at LACs. They felt the best to her even though she wanted a more urban environment…she started to really like the LACs. But during the actual auditions, she took a hard turn to a big U with a music school. She was concerned by the smaller size and the amt of support, honestly (thinking she would be more independent than maybe what was implied).
She is also bi-racial…and began to worry about the fit at LACs as they all seemed to want to point out (looking at her) the houses for POC. At the big U, it was never mentioned and the music school seemed to have a lot more people that looked like her. Note - I do know POC that went to LACs and loved it. This is simply what was going on my D’s head…and I don’t question that. It was her experience…and others could be completely different!!
I did push my D to have some variety in schools…and that is why I usually recommend keeping a variety of schools if possible (note my D did not fight me on it…but seemed a little annoyed). I do know other parents on this site (for many different reasons) that have kids change their opinions during auditions. So keep things flexible and fluid (particularly if you are the type that wants it DONE and set in stone…I’m a bit that way…so I get it).