The Massachusetts Institute of Technology

However, the environment teaches much, especially humility. Virtually all MIT students were superstars in more than one area in high school – just in my fraternity, there are three high school all-american athletes (one of whom was also a valedictorian), eight other valedictorians, two kids who had 1600 on their SAT's, and a host of superstar musicians just to name a few.

Academically, the school is fantastic, and you do get a lot of attention from the faculty, even those with international reputations, since all professors are required to teach.

Though a little worn down, MIT students never stop. Day and night and through the next day, MIT students work, read, and hang out. There's always something new to finish, so study time is always broken by excursions into Boston in order to keep us all happy. Students learn to manage their time well here, but it's a general understanding that as soon as you finish, there's more to do.

Above all, don’t believe the geek stereotype. We consistently throw the best school parties in Boston, and students from all over the area always attend whether we want them to or not (i.e. snooty Harvard kids).

Engineering students at the school might be more “beaten-down” by MIT than other students, and their apathy for student activities can sometimes be a downer. If you’re the type who doesn’t let that get to you, MIT is by far the best school to grow personally and excel your career (over Princeton and Harvard).