I respectfully disagree^,
Being a part of the NESCAC means much closer interactions with other schools like Amherst, Bowdoin, Bates etc. especially for student athletes. NESCAC schools, while all unique in their own way, also tend to have a very similar New England “vibe”. NESCAC grads are much more aware of other NESCAC schools simply because they’ve had more exposure during their experience (theres even a NESCAC barstool / NESCAC snap story) etc. They call it the little ivies for a reason.