Yes -- you WILL learn a lot at Stanford! From classes about subjects you've wanted to study for years, to classes about topics you've never dreamed of studying, you will learn tremendous amounts. Many classes rely on self-motivated research and application, and some others will be simply informative and fascinating without the requirement of outside research and thought. You'll find a variety of students in any class (some only there for GenEd reqs, some with related majors, some oddballs, some grad students) and will be able to find your place within that, learning both from the usually dedicated professors as well as your fellow students.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
It's taken me a while to find my niche as Stanford... and truth be told, I am not certain that I've totally settled in. But I have no doubt that there is a place for me here -- as well as a place for you. It has been somewhat difficult for me to meet people to make friends, but I have found that most everyone here is friendly, and EVERYONE has something incredibly unique about them; it just takes some digging to find out what it is. The campus is beautiful, the opportunities seemingly endless... figure out what you like to do through experimentation and being open, and you will no doubt meet others who love what you do (from sports to knowledges to gaming to juggling to drinking to kite-flying... it's all there).
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Stanford is expensive. It's hard to pay for. However, the school does what it can to help you out if you are in serious financial need. I am on the border; it's hard to pay for and is financially stressful, but my family can, in the end, afford it. At times I wonder if it's entirely worth it, but I haven't yet found a reason to believe it's a waste.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Dig deep.
Both into yourself to find out what type of school you're looking for, what you want out of college, how you want these crucial years to go, etc, as well as into what the schools you're considering espouse as their own priorities and atmospheres. Visit, if you have the chance. Look up student reviews, websites beyond the university's official website. Be persistent. Get in contact with professors, students.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Anyone! Really. While it is academically rigorous, I have friends from all backgrounds -- artists, performers, scientists, philosophers, readers, athletes, more. Know who are you are and what strengths you have and use them! Don't be arrogant, but also don't be bashful or shy. Represent yourself.
Yes -- you WILL learn a lot at Stanford! From classes about subjects you've wanted to study for years, to classes about topics you've never dreamed of studying, you will learn tremendous amounts. Many classes rely on self-motivated research and application, and some others will be simply informative and fascinating without the requirement of outside research and thought. You'll find a variety of students in any class (some only there for GenEd reqs, some with related majors, some oddballs, some grad students) and will be able to find your place within that, learning both from the usually dedicated professors as well as your fellow students.
It's taken me a while to find my niche as Stanford... and truth be told, I am not certain that I've totally settled in. But I have no doubt that there is a place for me here -- as well as a place for you. It has been somewhat difficult for me to meet people to make friends, but I have found that most everyone here is friendly, and EVERYONE has something incredibly unique about them; it just takes some digging to find out what it is. The campus is beautiful, the opportunities seemingly endless... figure out what you like to do through experimentation and being open, and you will no doubt meet others who love what you do (from sports to knowledges to gaming to juggling to drinking to kite-flying... it's all there).
Stanford is expensive. It's hard to pay for. However, the school does what it can to help you out if you are in serious financial need. I am on the border; it's hard to pay for and is financially stressful, but my family can, in the end, afford it. At times I wonder if it's entirely worth it, but I haven't yet found a reason to believe it's a waste.
Dig deep. Both into yourself to find out what type of school you're looking for, what you want out of college, how you want these crucial years to go, etc, as well as into what the schools you're considering espouse as their own priorities and atmospheres. Visit, if you have the chance. Look up student reviews, websites beyond the university's official website. Be persistent. Get in contact with professors, students.
Anyone! Really. While it is academically rigorous, I have friends from all backgrounds -- artists, performers, scientists, philosophers, readers, athletes, more. Know who are you are and what strengths you have and use them! Don't be arrogant, but also don't be bashful or shy. Represent yourself.