How do prestigious universities in the USA compare?

I'm curious about what distinguishes prestigious universities in the USA from each other. Is it the campus life, the programs offered, or the connections you make there? Any insights would be helpful as I start thinking about my college list.

While all prestigious universities share a high level of academic rigor, they each have distinct characteristics that set them apart from each other. Here are some factors that might differentiate these schools:

1. Academic Specializations: Colleges may have different programs they are particularly known for. For example, MIT and Caltech are world-renowned for their engineering programs, while Columbia University is known for its Core Curriculum which focuses on classics of literature and philosophy. Some universities like the University of Pennsylvania have particularly strong business programs.

2. Campus Culture: The campus life and environment can differ significantly from school to school. Some universities have a stronger emphasis on Greek life, while others might pride themselves on their art scene, for instance. Some colleges have a reputation for a particularly competitive atmosphere, while others might be known for being more collaborative.

3. Surrounding Community: The area around the campus can also affect a college's character. Locations can range from being in a large city (like NYU in New York City) to being in a smaller town (like Dartmouth College in New Hampshire), influencing the type of community interactions, internships, and recreational activities available to students.

4. Student Body: Each college attracts a slightly different type of student body. Some schools, such as Brown University, are known for attracting more students who value freedom in their course selections, as Brown has an open curriculum. On the other hand, UChicago is known for its intellectually curious students and a love of learning for its own sake.

5. Alumni Network: Post-graduation opportunities can also differ between schools, depending on the strength of a school's alumni network in a particular field or geographic area. For example, Stanford's strong connection to Silicon Valley provides unique opportunities to students interested in tech start-ups.

Remember, what's most important is finding a university where you'll be happy and successful. While prestige can signify high academic standards, it's not a guarantee of a good fit, so keep that in mind when building your college list!