<p>Thanks everyone. Since I also have questions which no longer really pertain to maths at LACs, I’ve opened a new thread here. </p>
<p>@MYOS1634: I plan to do research in a top grad school, though not necessarily HYPSM. And no, I can’t afford UW-Madison.
@tk21769: I’m not interested in working in finance, and there is little chance I would enjoy so much working in IT. If I had to decide between a less-than-top grad math institution and a career in IT, I’d choose the first option.
@memake: UChicago appeals to me greatly, and I will certainly apply. Of course, since they’re almost as selective as the Ivies, I need to apply to other(less selective) schools as well. </p>
<p>So we have solid pros and solid cons, but I especially agree to:
“math is one of those subjects that requires almost complete dedication if you expect to go very far in it.”</p>
<p>Therefore, unless I get some totally unexpected information, I won’t apply to more than two LAC’s, and they’ll be Williams and Harvey Mudd.</p>