Anonymous
Post 11/26/2025 17:02     Subject: Less selective schools “similar” to MIT
I would never go to RPI or RIT

Bad weather. In an area where industries and employment is shrinking..

WPI is a good choice.
Anonymous
Post 11/26/2025 13:38     Subject: Less selective schools “similar” to MIT
What about Cooper Union? Mudd and Cooper were always top two smaller STEM schools on opposite coasts. Cooper used to be full-tuition paid for the select 150 spots in their engineering program. Not sure what's going on today. Heard there is some tuition now.
Anonymous
Post 11/26/2025 12:04     Subject: Less selective schools “similar” to MIT
Haven’t read through the whole thread but Cal Poly SLO has some of the happiest kids I’ve ever seen on a campus… and I’ve really only interacted with the engineering students so I’m addressing the cutthroat part of your question too. So top engineering school, gorgeous campus, nice supportive kids.
Anonymous
Post 11/15/2025 21:02     Subject: Less selective schools “similar” to MIT
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Do people even read the post? Caltech is NOT less selective than MIT. Get a clue.

It kinda is. Caltech is known as MIT rejects. Acceptance rates don’t tell you everything.


I have degrees from both schools. This board is insane sometimes and this is a good example.

Tech is hard. A rigorous serious program fosters collaboration. That is also how modern engineering and science work. The Manhattan project, the transistor and yes, modern AI, were the work of multiple. MIT and Caltech are both great. Harvey Mudd, Reed College, Olin, good iGem summer programs for biology, if other fields math completion exams, REUS and other opportunities are all important. What is critical is consistently and drive. And rigor. Drive to be great. The recipe hasn’t changed for 2000+ years. Except that as a woman grateful to be able to compete I suppose.
Anonymous
Post 11/15/2025 20:10     Subject: Less selective schools “similar” to MIT
Anonymous wrote:Looking for less selective schools similar to MIT in that they encourage kids to pursue their interests and students are supportive as opposed to competitive with each other.

And the students are truly kind. That is key.

That is what has stuck out to us about MIT - it is not just a phenomenal school academically but they seem to have found a way to select and encourage those who foster team work.

Doubtful DC will get into MIT next year (it is truly a lottery even with great stats) so looking for other options where there is not fierce competition and the school has a truly a collaborative approach to learning. Also where professors engage with the students and it is not just rote learning.


Harvey Mudd? Mudders have a "heart of gold" ... not sure if it's much less selective than MIT tho.
Anonymous
Post 11/15/2025 20:01     Subject: Less selective schools “similar” to MIT
Anonymous wrote:I think mit kids are far less entitled than the undergrads at Harvard. No legacy, just smarts.
I went to grad school in Cambridge and all I can say about the level of pretension I witnessed more than once by some undergrads at H is, for lack of a better word, yuck.


Hahaha yes so true. I co-sign this
Anonymous
Post 11/15/2025 19:43     Subject: Less selective schools “similar” to MIT
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Do people even read the post? Caltech is NOT less selective than MIT. Get a clue.

It kinda is. Caltech is known as MIT rejects. Acceptance rates don’t tell you everything.


DP. Please provide a citation for this silly claim.
Anonymous
Post 11/15/2025 19:12     Subject: Less selective schools “similar” to MIT
Anonymous wrote:Do people even read the post? Caltech is NOT less selective than MIT. Get a clue.

It kinda is. Caltech is known as MIT rejects. Acceptance rates don’t tell you everything.