<p>So, let's be honest. The majority of Cal students are used to be at the top of their class, and so I'm inquiring about how competitive academics are. I know that the classes will be hard, but how cutthroat are the students?</p>
<p>I'm seriously concerned because, like everybody else, I am used to being the "smart kid" in class, and I honestly already have low self-esteem to begin with. I have trouble with self-motivation and I'm worried that Cal will make my problem even worse. In other words, I don't do well in competitive environments. </p>
<p>I know that being stressed out is obviously part of the college experience but I'm just worried I'll be lost in the crowd.</p>
<p>The good news is that the classes aren’t competitive for the most part. (It is a common myth that EECS has a cutthroat culture; this is simply not the case.)</p>
<p>The bad news is that if you’re looking into being a premed or getting into Haas, you may have a rough time with the required classes for those. Those are probably the most competitive academic environments here.</p>
<p>The potentially bad news is that you will almost certainly not be the “smart kid” in class. Many people here were a “smart kid” in their schools. You already know this, but keep it in mind.</p>
<p>@energize, thank you for your response! I don’t intend on being a pre-med student or going to Haas - at least right now. I’m starting to calm myself a little bit, as I just reached the realization that I’m not the only one in the same situation. I know college will be hard, and that the once “smart kids” will just eventually have to accept that everyone there is a smart kid… I know that it’ll take a lot of mental strength. Thanks again!</p>
<p>First of all, there are still the “smart kids” in class at Berkeley. SOMEONE still has to rise to the top. There’s always gonna be that one person (or a few people) setting the curve. Could it be you? Think about that.</p>
<p>But if it isn’t, no sweat. You’re SURROUNDED by the “smart kids” from high school. It doesn’t make you dumb. It’s like, you’ve always known you were smarter than 99% of students out there, go to Berkeley with the top 1%, and discover that you’re only better than 99.1% of people and not 99.9% and that’s why you’re at the bottom of the class. That’s all it is, even if you’re not doing well. Struggling how doesn’t erase your past successes - you have to consider the context.</p>
<p>Also, EVERYONE feels the same as you do. Everyone. Even the smart kids. Just oftentimes people don’t discuss it out of shame; they think they’re the only one who feels dumb, but in reality everyone is struggling too.</p>
<p>To be honest, not being at the top of the class does take a while to get used to, but if you are resilient and flexible, you wont regret going to Berkeley.</p>
<p>Because when you start working, you also wont be the best of the best right away. I found transition to work quite seamless.</p>