My stats are fairly high and I’m definitely being recruited by all the schools (except Stanford) to run track. Regardless, let us not factor in admission prospects and focus on the advantages each school confers.
I’ve visited both Penn and Claremont McKenna (Official Visits) but not Babson nor Stanford.
Penn:
I visited Penn right after Midterms, so my view of the scene may have been slightly skewed. I found Penn people nice, but there did seem to be a distance between people that may be the effect of a larger school (though they do somehow have a 6:1 faculty ratio). The only social scene I really experienced was of drinking, but I hope there is more than that. Academically, I was not fortunate enough to sit in on a Wharton class, so I cannot really compare teaching styles beyond just the name. The track team seemed alright. Mostly, what drives this school for me is the vast alumni network, world name recognition, vast resources under its control for both academics and D1 Track. I do believe they offer a business major though. It should not be difficult to take classes for CS in its department.
Claremont McKenna:
The unique culture of the place really impressed me. As one of the most fit campuses in the U.S., everyone seems healthy and energetic, as well as friendly. Their goal to cultivate one as a leader and challenge beliefs through open discussion impressed me. I sat in on a Macroeconomics class, and the teaching impressed me. There were only about 20 students and the teacher was very friendly and actively answered questions. She actually asked me one as well. The Athenaeum was impressive (with guest speakers most every day of the week) as well as the dining hall. My only reservations are the lack of seriousness in Track (though they aren’t bad in D1), smaller alumni network, the name recognition and resources commandeered by them as compared to a bigger university (Penn/Stanford). It should not be difficult to take CS classes at Mudd.
Babson:
I have not visited it yet, but it’s ranked very well for entrepreneurs. I’m not sure how well its other business related fields are but some of my reservations are the same with McKenna. It’s alumni network is smaller, the resources, etc. However, they do have the Olin School of Engineering nearby, which the coach assures I can take classes at.
Stanford:
I have very little information regarding Stanford beyond its prestige. It definitely has one of the best track programs in the U.S. How is are it’s graduates seen by employers against the other schools (Wharton, etc)?
MIT:
Actually, I’m also curious about MIT and it’s Sloan School of Business. Are there any advantages/disadvantages of attending MIT?
My main criteria I’m viewing these schools through are (not necessarily in that order):
- Academics
- Track
- Employment
4)Social
Also, how much should the amount of student debt factor into my decision?
Thank you for answering my questions stagulm, tk21769, PennCA S2014, ucbalumnus, as well as anyone who gives me future assistance!