I don’t knnow why the word cutthroat, as if the real issue is other students. I see the problem as impossible standards on tests, questions about work not covered in class or texts, a level of application of knowledge most hs kids can’t fathom.
I second Mt Holyoke. Not because it’s women, per se, or a kinder cohort. Rather the attitude of the school. Not to avoid games, but to help the best kids meetthe bar. That’s why we distinguish between competitive and collaborative, re premed.
And nothing, absolutely nothing, says an LAC won’t weed brutally. You need to explore by college or U. Nor assume by type.