If it comes up, I plan to approach it better than my parents (with no college education) did.

Competitiveness would only be in the conversation as a part of having a set of tiered choices that still led to the desired outcome. I would paint acceptance more as fickle than difficult. I'd include money, budgeting, financial aid, etc. as well as the general college experience (small vs. large schools.)

But still have some time before this comes up for us.