Ren, I'm not knocking Harvard--I've never been there. But then there are lots of other colleges that you haven't been to that are just as worthy of your consideration.
Yes, it depends on the kind of college experience you are looking for. I'm just trying to say that there are good experiences for gifted students to be had outside the Ivy League.
By the time I graduated from Linfield I had done original research with my math advisor for my honors thesis, published a paper with a physics prof on thermionic projection microscopes and studied abroad in Austria. The professors at Linfield are involved with student research to a degree that I have not seen at major universities. For me, it was like heaven to have all those wonderful mentors at my disposal
I would say that rather than crossing Harvard off your list of options for your DD, add to your list! There are so many great schools for a gifted student to choose from. Don't limit your choices based on prestige.
