<p>Yes, there are reputations out there for schools. Some schools are known as party schools, some schools have a reputation for preppy-ness, others have lots of nerds, UChicago has a reputation of unhappy students, etc. But to what degree is that true and just how big is that fire? Is it merely embers or a conflagration? </p>
<p>To categorically state that a school is clique-y based on the “where there is smoke there is fire” method of looking at online forums is doing everyone here a disservice. Again, a tiny number of students every year voiced a particular concern…it must be true…</p>
<p>As to the cross-admits issue…what exactly is the sample size here? Throw around percentages that mean squat when n is unknown doesn’t really back up anyone’s point here. If 20 people were Princeton/Duke cross admits and 6 came to Duke, that’s almost 30%. But is it significant? Doubtful…</p>