<p>Top LACs (such as Williams) are generally comparable, in terms of selectivity, with top national universities (such as the Ivies), and there is substantial overlap in the applicant pool. However, the top universities have far greater name recognition and prestige among the general public. </p>
<p>For this reason, the snobs, name-droppers, and prestige hounds typically favor top universities over top LACs. This is not to suggest that all students at top universities fit this mold; they don’t, except at Princeton (<- joke). But the people who do fit the “snooty” mold are attracted to top universities – especially the Ivies – like moths to a flame. They don’t take much interest in LACs.</p>
<p>The students who do choose top LACs generally have the qualifications to get into Ivies or other well-known top universities. But they made a conscious decision to attend a lesser-known school instead. This is an anti-snooty thing to do.</p>
<p>The difference shows up in student social life as well. The Ivies are full of selective, exclusive student clubs – eating clubs, finals clubs, frats, secret societies, etc. – that provide prime opportunities to practice social climbing. The top LACs have deliberately moved away from this model; Williams, for example, banned such organizations decades ago. At LACs, any student club or organization is typically wide open to any interested participant.</p>