I'd like to echo a bit of what others have said: Do not go by the rankings alone when looking at colleges. The difference between US News #X and #(X+5) is very minimal. Do a lot of research on the school, the programs it offers, the size, the location, etc. (
www.princetonreview.com is a great source.) See if the school fits your wants/needs. Then, visiting campus is the best way to really see if you would be happy there.
Anyway, good luck to all the c/o 2005 FIRSTers. I remember how hard fall/winter of senior year was with so much college stuff to do. When it's done, though, you can finally relax and enjoy your senior year. Good luck especially to the (what seems like several) MIT applicants - hope to see you here next fall! If you have any questions, PM me.
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MIT Mechanical Engineering
>> College Mentor,
Team 97: Cambridge Rindge and Latin School with The Edgerton Center, MIT Mechanical Engineering, Bluefin Robotics, and Draper Laboratory
>> Alumnus, Team 527: Plainedge HS