In terms of CMU, I'd say your first point is short-sighted. Because of the relatively large Design/Art, Architecture, and Business programs, the generic freshma

In terms of CMU, I'd say your first point is short-sighted. Because of the relatively large Design/Art, Architecture, and Business programs, the generic freshman orientation/prereqs, a surprisingly inclusive Greek presence, and the small social scene there's plenty of opportunity for mixing with different people. In fact, I'd go so far in saying that meeting people outside of your typified social circle isn't institution dependent, rather an individual preference (so I wouldn't be surprised if your generalization isn't applicable to MIT either).