I try to look at a mix of universities. The top couple in a field, some state schools (that aren't the top couple), and some schools that are more practically o

I try to look at a mix of universities. The top couple in a field, some state schools (that aren't the top couple), and some schools that are more practically oriented. This way you'll get exposure from more theoretical to more applied. Even if the same textbooks are used across these institutions there may be a difference in emphasis and assignments. One can start from the least rigorous and work up to the more rigorous courses. Even some of the top schools may have honors and non-honors versions of courses.