How would you compare Wash U vs. Cornell vs. Penn vs. Rice vs. Tufts vs. Emory as far as academic pressure (intensity of atmosphere) is concerned? I’ve heard some schools grade on a curve and give out a limited number of A’s, some don’t. Some require you take 4 classes per term, some require you take 5 classes per term. I don’t know if any of these things contribute to academic pressure, but just wanted to hear thoughts.
The reality is this question is biased as most people generally only have their own college experience to compare to. I felt grading at Rice was pretty fair. It isn’t unnecessarily rough, Rice does not want to fail or “weed out” any students they admit. But it is tough, you are surrounded by smart students, you have to be willing to put in the work.