<p>As far as weather goes, most students start off saying they want to go where it’s warm and in a city with lots to do, until they find out most of the top schools are where it’s cold in the winter and/or in the middle of nowhere… </p>
<p>Personally, I think cold has a way of focusing the mind on studying. Less temptation to go out and do something more fun, at least for very long. It’s also why I think places that don’t have lots of temptations right outside your door are better as well. If everyone else has decided it’s time to study and there’s no one to goof off with, you just might decide to join them. Won’t stop some people, but it makes it easier to focus.</p>
<p>Not that I’d ever advise anyone to turn down Stanford, but I would put up with most winters to go to a better school.</p>