Looking for broad advice on 'best' colleges for any major?

Hi folks, as a rising junior weighing out my options, I don't have a specific major in mind yet. So I wanted to ask, which colleges are generally good academically; the kinds of places where it doesn’t really matter what you’re studying, 'cause all the departments are good?

There are certainly a number of colleges that are known for their overall academic prowess across a range of subjects. Typically, these are usually prestigious, well-established institutions with a wealth of resources and an excellent faculty. Here's a handful that often come to mind:

1. Harvard University: Known for its strong programs across the board, including the social sciences, humanities, and biological sciences.

2. Stanford University: Similarly offers a wide range of strong programs, from engineering and computer science to humanities.

3. MIT: Despite being most known for its STEM programs, MIT also has strong humanities and social sciences departments.

4. University of Chicago: Known for its core curriculum, which mandates broad exploration across different fields of study.

5. Columbia University: Its required Core Curriculum ensures that all students receive a comprehensive liberal arts education.

6. Duke University: Renowned for its programs in the liberal arts and sciences, public policy, and engineering.

These are just a few examples of colleges where you'll find strong programs across the board. However, there are undoubtedly dozens of other excellent institutions that could offer you an outstanding education across a wide range of subjects.

Remember that what makes a college 'the best' can vary from person to person. For example, a smaller liberal arts college might be 'the best' for someone looking for small class sizes and close faculty-student relationships, while a large research university might be 'the best' for someone seeking a wealth of research opportunities. Try to consider what will work best for your own needs and preferences – both academically and personally – when looking at colleges. It won't matter how good a college's academic departments are if you don't enjoy your time there due to other factors (like campus culture, weather, location, etc.).

Using a tool like CollegeVine's school search function could be useful to get an idea of universities' overall academic strengths and to make comparisons between different institutions.