<p>Ya, I don’t think to term “intellectual” is the best one to differentiate top universities. There are different climates, feels, vibes, or whatever you want to call it at top U’s.<br>
IMO Vandy, Duke, Northwestern, UVA are simiilar and different from C.tech, UofC, JHU or P. Emory, CalB and USC have a more global & international feel. Notre Dame and Georgetown have a Catholic affiliation and a different vibe from say Brown, Columbia or say UPENN. Not better, just different. Granted there is a large overlap as selective U’s have the ability to “build their class”.<br>
I would agree with Fagan, it’s a bit insulting to call students at any elite U not intellectual.</p>