[dhnsmakala]

From experience, I think you're right with this advice. A ridiculous amount of doors open up if you go to a decent school - he'll get there and be pulled into internships...try a few things...and have lots of options for semi-interesting stuff on his way out.

The worst thing you can do is stay in a mediocre home town and fall into a mediocre job...he will end up depressed if he doesn't get out.