<p>Princeton review did a similiar thing..
but incorporate both academics, social, and location, etc. here</p>
<p>I would say Stanford</p>
<p>I would too.</p>
<p>Amherst...</p>
<p>At least I'm hoping :)</p>
<p>It's probably up there, no?</p>
<p>IMO:</p>
<p>Princeton
Dartmouth
Stanford
Amherst
Brown
Williams</p>
<p>how about we split this thread up to make it even more helpful -- </p>
<p>can some suggest best overall undergraduate experience for:</p>
<p>State Schools</p>
<p>LACs</p>
<p>next step down from Ivys</p>
<p>I'd second the schools slipper listed.</p>
<p>Slipper's list is great.
I might take out Williams b/c of its remote location--although it's a BEAUTIFUL location.</p>
<p>I'd add Tufts, Northwestern, and UCLA--great schools, great campuses, great spirit near some of America's best cities.</p>
<p>I agree with slipper's list, and I certainly wouldn't take Williams out, JuJu. I thought Williams felt a bit remote as well, but I've never once heard a Williams student or grad say that that detracts from their overall experience, and I hear more praise for the "undergraduate experience" at Williams in my area than at any other school.</p>
<p>My friend's dad went to Williams. And detested it. Because of how remote it was. When I told him I was thinking about applying there early, he advised me to reconsider. I did, and I realized (after visiting and seeing the remoteness firsthand) that I would not have been able to handle it. I ultimately ended up applying to Amherst early and getting in. Extremely happy with my decision.</p>
<p>He forbade his son from applying to Williams. He encouraged him to apply to Amherst. And now, we are both going to Amherst.</p>
<p>So there's at least one alum who didn't like the location...</p>
<p>Mmm, I'm sure you can find one person who has detested every place out there. XD And while I definitely appreciate hearing the other side of my opinion, forgive me if I take the opinion of an Amherst-bound student with a grain of salt. ;-)</p>
<p>And I mean that in good humor, not in a trying-to-start-an-argument sort of way. If I end up at Williams next year, I'll have to pump up my Amherst-hatred a notch or two. XD</p>
<p>Amherst College
Brown University
Dartmouth College (only for people who like the rural locale)
Duke University
Georgetown University
Princeton University
Stanford University
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
University of Texas-Austin
University of Virginia
University of Wisconsin-Madison</p>
<p>Depends on what matters to you.</p>
<p>If you're talking strictly academic experience, I would say UChicago because of its very strong core curriculum and drink-from-a-firehose academics.</p>
<p>If you're talking setting, then big city schools (Columbia, Stanford, UCLA) have the edge.</p>
<p>If you're talking attention to students, then Princeton is a league above the rest. It used to be Dartmouth's strong suit but it has slipped REALLY bad in that respect.</p>
<p>It definitely varies from person to person. Try this experiment: </p>
<ol>
<li>Find somebody who loves (as a hobby) physics, mathematics, Rubik's Cubes, Mental math, and got into Caltech and wants to go there.</li>
<li>Force him to go to USC.</li>
<li>Sit back and Enjoy.</li>
</ol>
<p>My personal choice is Harvey Mudd, with a crapload of college research. Hard as hell science curriculum. Great social opportunities with the surrounding 4 colleges (including one all girls teehee) and southern california location. Of course I could see this school driving several people insane with its engineering student body.</p>
<p>what about someone whose idea of a college experience is to paint themselves in school colors, tailgate, and then watch football games? </p>
<p>what about someone whose ideal experience is to act in as many plays possible?</p>
<p>Yeah, I'd add Northwestern, Georgetown, Tufts, Duke, Wesleyan, Amherst, Brown.</p>
<p>Chicago has everything that matters!</p>
<p>The best overall undergraduate experience should have something for everybody. It should have:</p>
<p>1 Challenging classes for those who seek them
2 Strong departments accross the academic spectrum
3 Inexhautstible offerings in the performance and visual arts
4 Great school spirit
5 An active and social campus life
6 A great college town or city within very close proximity
7 Great resources such as research opportunities, computer labs and libraries
8 Excellent athletic tradition in the spectator sports
9 Strong alumni relations
10 Excellent ties to exclusive industries such as Investment Banking and Management Consulting
11 A global reputation</p>
<p>Very few universities offer all of this, but those that do can truly claim to be excellent all around.</p>
<p>Sounds like Alexander is describing Johns Hopkins.</p>
<p>What if you hate school spirit?</p>
<p>Then you don't go to the games and you don't pay attention to the spirit. Many students at schools like Duke, Michigan and Stanford don't care for school spirit and they love their experience. Some schools are perfect for everybody...but I can coun't them on 2 hands!</p>