<p>I think one also has to parse the “intellectual” element. Do you mean you want to go to a school where people take academic performance very seriously? Or a school where a more cerebral environment pervades the campus (but this may not translate into a workaholic academic environment)? Make sure you are getting what <em>you</em> want.</p>
<p>Chicago, Cal Tech and MIT are unique in that they fit both descriptions, but there are a lot of well-regarded instutitions that tend to lean more one way or the other. For example, I would say Hopkins (its UG’s are really hardcore in terms of study habits) and Northwestern are good examples of schools where students take academics seriously for instrumental purposes (i.e., graduate program admissions and career outcomes), but the intellectual tenor outside the classroom is relatively weak vis-a-vis the prior three schools mentioned (JHU / NU are also known for being fratty, sporty, type-A social places relative to other top colleges). </p>
<p>In contrast, a lot of the strong, second string liberal arts colleges (the schools ranked like 5-15 in US News) essentially pay their bills by offering a life of the mind environment to students vs. attending say, and honors program at a state school where one might feel ostracized from the broader, stereotypical college culture. If this is the side of Chicago that appeals to you, then places like Vassar, Wesleyan, Swarthmore, Claremont college, etc. would be worth considering.</p>