kirk lazarus' description of yale is typical of many t-14s. chicago's 1L program is virtually identical except our class is even smaller (100-150 students per year) and our spring oral arguments are done with 2 students per side. we also have bar reviews every thursday night, one big social event every quarter, and one central lounge where everyone hangs out.
i would imagine that collaboration is more present at smaller schools, where you know all the students in your year so it's not weird to ask for notes/study help. at the same time, i don't think any t14 is universally known for competitiveness OR collegiality. it all depends on who the student is, what the school's culture is like, blah blah blah.