This was me way back in the day. Got into my first choice in the fall. It was a reach.

It was my top choice but I wasn't yet positive and wanted more time. So I still applied to two more schools that I thought might be real contenders. They were reaches too.

It wasn't that much work to do two more apps and it was stress free because it didn't matter if I got in. It also was a relief to not do the apps for the 7 or so other schools I was planning to apply to.

In the end, I got into the additional two schools and had a choice between three amazing options. I chose the first one after all but was really glad to have the rest of my senior year to make that choice. Helped me to feel more secure in the decision.

So I would encourage your son to apply to just a couple more.

Yes. You may get more merit aid that makes private school cheaper.

There's so much excitement among the seniors when the acceptances are released - he might get caught up in it and wish he were waiting to hear some news. However, you seem to think it's unlikely that he'll change his mind and you know your kid better than we do. If you think he'll be content, then I wouldn't say a word about it.

Congrats to your son!