@songbirdmama - Thank you for your input. Yes, location will play a huge role in my son’s final decision. We’re both looking forward to the Preview day. Based on what S’s been seeing on the Internet photos and videos (online college tours), he’s hugely favoring Princeton right now. Knowing him, Princeton suits his personality better. For academic success, especially for a student wanting to do pre-med and music, I’m the other way, leaning heavily towards Williams. For academic experience (both on campus and off campus), though, I’m with my son. As a parent, however, things like Princeton’s reputation for grade deflation does concern me, as that would mean even harder for someone wanting to do both pre-med AND music. A friend of mine, when he took his son to Princeton for a visit some years ago, was discouraged by one of the admissions staff to even consider music as a minor at Princeton. I’ve heard from various sources that it’s a tough place for pre-med students, let alone for those who also major in music. This is why making a decision between these two colleges is so tough. They each have definite pros and cons.