<p>As far as I know, Stanford is just like a great liberal art school, which requires their students a great General Requirements, good for pre-med, law and wall street. However, it would be a severe burden for engineering-oriented geeks, lacking language ability. As you know, Berkley is another good school, but tons of under students over there. Thus, Harvey Mudd or Caltech seems to be good for you by depending upon how you are competitive in hectic small population. Have a good luck.</p>