<p>That was a fascinating NYT article, btw. I am a third of the way through Malcom Gladwell’s new book and he talks about the challenges of studying math and science at Harvard or other elite schools. While he talks about the high dropout rates being due to the alienation felt by those not being amongst the top performers. One could easily extend his argument to include the alienation felt by women being so much in the minority in some/most STEM fields.</p>
<p>I will say, however, that if you are a girl who is able to break through the glass ceiling at the high school level and establish credentials in most of the STEM fields, the opportunities for admissions are greater at the elite schools. The challenge once enrolled is to remain committed to the field as the NYT article and Gladwell book illustrate.</p>