The California Institute of Technology

Caltech was a love-hate experience. There were a number of very positive aspects of life there, most of which had to do with academics and research. The research opportunities abound at Caltech, and the majority of undergraduates participate in real, top-notch university research with some of the brightest professors out there. It's simply unmatched in that regard.

Less predictably, there are other benefits to Caltech, as well. Because the school is so small (under 1000 undergraduates), students can participate in whatever activities are offered. If you are interested, you can be involved in everything from music to student government to journalism. All of this, of course, is on a smaller scale than at big schools, but it's also open to everyone. Fellow students tend to be very smart (like you are, surely) and generally helpful. There is virtually no competition among students when it comes to academics or research. It's a very open environment. This extends all the way to professors and staff, even, who are (on the whole) very friendly, helpful, good people.The downsides all involve social life. Because the school is small and there are relatively few girls, undergraduate social life is very strained. Compound this with the extreme amount of work students undertake, and you're left with a pretty boring place. If you want to party your undergrad career, do not go to Caltech.

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000