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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]OP: My heart breaks for DC. I know nothing is promised/guaranteed/entitled, but almost all DC's math friends (school, camp, etc) got into top schools (Ivys, MIT, Stanford, etc). Like, almost.every.single.friend (all of them are great kids, smart, worked hard. so did DC).

DC seems to be the only one not going to one.

DC's a tough cookie and a trooper. But I can see the disappointment. DC worked so hard (and has a 2+ plus commute to school everyday on top of the academics and ECs, all of which DC did because enjoyed them, and not for the sake of college).

I just don't understand why.

Sorry for the long vent. Thank you for listening. Need to get it out...[/quote]
OP as a math major at Williams, I hate how you are implying that dc didn’t get into any top schools. I think you are missing that many people consider Williams & Rice top schools. I turned down Ivys, as did most of my Williams friends. This will be shocking to you, but a few friends were sad they didn’t get into Williams and ended up at an Ivy. 
It doesn’t sound like Williams is the right fit for your family, and the spot probably should go to someone who is thrilled to be accepted. That said, one of the reasons I chose Williams was for the unprecedented professor access. The tenured professors teach even the freshman math classes, and you are invited to discuss anything in their office hours, assist with research, create your own independent study class, etc. I met with professors at Princeton, etc and the access and opportunities weren’t there in undergrad.[/quote]

OP: Hi - I'm sorry if I/we came across as entitled or un-appreciative. I absolutely know DC has great choices. But yes,[b] DC did have higher hopes (from peer pressure, influenced by prestige, etc). [/b]Not necessarily right, but it's what all the ambitious/driven kids want. DC knows 12 friends going to Princeton this year (yes 12!!! from school/summer camps/math comps/childhood friends/etc), Harvard, Stanford, Caltech, etc. You name it. There's at least a friend going.

I agree that name-chasing is not necessarily right, but [b]DC feels inadequate (IMO wrongly so, to a certain extent). I think that's a valid feeling.[/b]

We're excited about Williams this weekend! All I've heard about Williams is the amazing undergrad focus and experience, and can't wait to hear more. Despite not having access to grad classes, I think Williams is a real contender and DC is still un-decided![/quote]

Williams *is* a prestigious school.  It is not a harder acceptance than the Ivy League schools.

Your son's feelings of inadequacy are not valid because they are not based on facts.  As a parent, I would never validate them.

Then again, as a parent, I would not encourage chasing schools for their name brands, either.[/quote]
Thank you! I’m the PP alum who was annoyed by the OPs attitude. Even the OPs response is still based on invalid facts. I see why your DC feels how he does bc you seem to be validating his incorrect feelings. 
As far as things to do if you can’t make the official admitted students weekend, if your DC has subject(s) they are most curious about, reach out to professors and see if you could meet with one or two or be put in touch with current students majoring. If you’re into outdoor stuff, reach out to the outing club for some suggested hikes. Otherwise the Clark art institute, Williams art museum and mass
Moca are great. Try to stay at the Williams Inn or somewhere else close to get a feel for the town and student life. Hope you have a great visit![/quote]

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