<p>For what it’s worth our S. is about to graduate from the University of Pittsburgh (He turned down Brown and Hopkins for a full ride, honors college etc). </p>
<p>He took the MCAT this summer and received a 36, including a perfect 15 in Biology. One thing I know for certain he has received at Pitt --which he might not have received elsewhere–were amazing research opportunities in the Neuroscience lab and access to volunteering in four neighboring hospitals.</p>
<p>I went to Bowdoin undergrad and Harvard Kennedy School for grad school. At the IVY grad school level you are exposed to a constant stream of high level professional contacts from the White House to corporate CEOS etc etc. making securing work in your fantasy field often easier. I cannot speak to the undergraduate IVY experience.</p>