Which college are close to HYPSM in reputation, selectivity, and academics?

Applying to College
1

<p>I keep hearing HYPSM are the best universities in America on these boards. But I'm sure there are universities a "step" right under them. Is there an acronym for them? I'm new to this so...and I don't think I'm competitive enough for HYPSM admission.</p>

2

<p>Here are the CC “Top Universities”</p>

<p>[CC</a> Top Universities - College Confidential](<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/cc-top-universities/]CC”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/cc-top-universities/)</p>

<p>And the CC “Top Liberal Arts Colleges”</p>

<p>[CC</a> Top Liberal Arts Colleges - College Confidential](<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/cc-top-liberal-arts-colleges/]CC”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/cc-top-liberal-arts-colleges/)</p>

<p>But of course, much of it is subjective</p>

3

<p>Is the concept of HYPSM subjective as well?</p>

4

<p>^^^
A little bit. Sometimes you’ll see variations like HYPS (without MIT), HYPSB (without MIT and adding Brown) and HYPSMC (the usual group + CalTech).</p>

5

<p>people sometimes even keep it at HYP… and only regard the Ivy League schools as the best in the nation.</p>