<p>small nit, but there is another half of the world besides the Pacific Rim. I have no doubt that Cal dominates the discussion in the Pacific area, with prestige rivaling HYPSM. Since Southern Branch is the baby brother/sister, UCLA and the other UCs come along for the prestige ride, again in the Pacific Region. (Not saying that LA is not prestigious in its own right, but all UCs get a boost for being on the Periodic Table of Elements.)</p>
<p>OTOH, Europe…</p>