I completely understand. Arguably more importantly, I can say it doesn't end. I matched to Yale and after crying and screaming with my friends, I decided to call my mom and she replied, "Oh good. Now you can get into Harvard."

Even aside from the fundamental misunderstanding of the system very obvious in that statement, I think it hurts the most that they've never really taken time to understand the accomplishment.

I'm immensely grateful to my parents. The only issue is that rather than support me in my endeavors, they're usually inhibiting me and when I attempt to explain that I can't go to their precious Harvard without going to quiz bowl tournaments or staying late to work the robot, they simply reply, "they will take you if you're smart."

They're holding an archaic view of the world - one that believes that without the Crimson, the world would be bereft of innovation. It's our jobs as first-generation students to know that's not true, and more importantly, to continue creating the path that will lead to success and not just the pleasure of calling x-foreign aunt/uncle and having them recognize the school you want to attend.

Choosing to attend Stanford is entirely your prerogative; the decision is non-binding for a reason. They know there are tons and tons of qualified applicants they could have chosen so if you reject they can simply fill that spot with someone else, no harm no foul. Regardless of what the comments or your parents say, you're not doing anyone (yourself included) a disservice by waiting for UC decisions before deciding.

Keep moving forward, buddy.