However, a blue ribbon degree won't take you far if that's all you have. College admissions people like to say such a thing exists, but that's part of their marketing strategy. The chances are you'd be happy at a score or more institutions. And listen carefully. Find out what he or she knows.
New Jersey has some of the most knowledgeable counselors in the country.
Unfortunately, too many high schools overload their counselors and don't give them time to attend professional conferences where they'll learn more and meet admissions people. If your school participates in The Star-Ledger College Admissions Survey , that's a good sign. Think about that one seriously. Go to the campuses, talk to students. The theory is that a place filled with people with specialized, even exotic, interests and backgrounds will be more interesting than a campus filled with competent generalists.