<p>It’s great to hear that you’ve considered your options and made an informed choice. Visiting schools is one of the most important, in my opinion. MIT and Caltech have truly unique academic environments. Judging by your posts, I’m sure you’ve got the head to handle the financial burden while having a great time at MIT.</p>
<p>I do disagree with this point, though:</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Need? I doubt this if you are considering PhD school. If you look at the faculty websites of many of these schools, a lot of professors come from small colleges that don’t have the MIT/Caltech atmosphere. There are far too many success stories to refute this claim. Many great scientists have never been affiliated with any “elite” institution.</p>
<p>However, this advice might have been specifically designed for you. If you think you need that kind of environment, that’s fantastic. I think you made a great choice.</p>
<p>I wish you the best of luck.</p>