Suevv, I completely agree (although my DS is young so I also have many years to resist being sucked into the vortex). Attending a certain college in itself is a poor life goal; pursuing your passions and being a life long learner are much more important. Bright kids who follow their passion may be good candidates for "top" schools and those schools may be good fits for them, but it is not necessary for "success" in life. For full disclosure: I went to some "elite" schools, and I will say the best thing about it was being surrounded by lots of people smarter than me with a lot of passion. So I agree, albeit from the comfortable position of someone with a young child, that my goal is for my son to be his most authentic engaged curious self, not an excellent college candidate.
