one of the things that I noticed is that the larger named schools (mit, harvard, caltech, and even here at the university of michigan) focus more on the theoretical side of computer science as opposed to the straight hardcore programming which I think is what you mentioned that you were interested in. i can easily see that here, comparing the types of classes and assignments involved, with that of one of my friends who went to eastern michigan (which is much smaller and not as well known). all his assignments and classes are just straight programming. just a thought.