I don't understand why some people here are so insisting on

getting into the top ranked places.  I think maybe it's just for bragging rights, or vanity, showing off to others. I don't have a definitive answer though. I'd like to save money too, but HBC seems... daunting. 

How would I answer my mom, if she's still alive by then, haha? I think she's the only person who still cares about my children's college choices. I don't have any connections in China anymore. So why should I care? 

I don't need to answer anyone's inquiry, or feel ashamed that my daughter and sons go to my neighborhood for college. Literally, nobody will notice it but me. I was long since brainwashed to believe people must strive to go to #1 or #2 colleges such as PKU or TSU. Isn't it ridiculous if I still feel obliged to tread the same path?

I'm not sure about the legitimacy of this lofty goal anymore.