<p>i definitely agree with BrooklynBornDad. I mean come on, I think the top 100 are all definitely respectable. If you love your college and its not on the top 20 who cares?</p>
<p>If you combine LAC and Nat U there are approx 50 “top” schools. Re the discussion of publics, W&M is the premiere public, esp for undergrad.</p>
<p>Harvard/Stanford/Chicago/Yale/MIT/Columbia/Berkeley/Princeton</p>
<p>Everyone should read The Great American University by J. Cole (provost of Columbia). Interestingly, he wrote, “I hold the University of Chicago in such high regard because it offers us a reference point for how a value system associated with greatness…can pervade an institution in ways that advance free inquiry and open discourse."</p>
<p>@TheSaiyans666 – You have hit on an important factor in terms of the “ego” question. Having been there, I think that if you need a university to boost your ego, it probably won’t work. Many people go through life referencing New Haven or some institution or other, but sometimes it’s a way to compensate for not having reached the expectations set by these places or themselves. Big egos need big accomplishments, and ultimately those will come with what you do, not where you went to school. Of course, certain universities help open doors.</p>
<p>
I say aye to that. How difficult it seems for CCers to find that middle ground.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Although, I guess since I live in the southeast and 4 of those schools are fairly close by (UNC, UVA, GT, and W&M), I’m probably a bit biased because you do hear those names more often than in other parts of the country.</p>
<p>"I would replace UNC with UCLA. "</p>
<p>I would replace UMichigan with UCLA. :)</p>
<p>The thing about UCLA is that Michigan is traditionally considered more prestigious due to its historic position and its being a flagship. This is why Saiyan may be reluctant to list UCLA as one of the “top” publics.</p>
<p>However, the general trend appears to be that UCLA may be considered more “prestigious” in the coming years.</p>