<p>So I am a prospective student and obviously I know Stanford has kick-ass academics. But I'm a bit worried about the atmosphere. I am NOT intimidated by smart people, more motivated actually. But I am concerned about a cutthroat atmosphere. What I'm looking for is a place where I can challenge myself, but in a more or less friendly/collaborative environment. Meaning you won't sabotage my chemistry lab or steal my notes or anything else antagonistic so you can be at the top of the curve (<em>ahem</em> Harvard). Excessive competition isn't my thing (perhaps some friendly competition, but not always). I just want a place where I can learn and focus on myself...in peace. So current students, have you had friendly experiences with your peers or do you claw each other to death in orgo? </p>
<p>Haha, in my opinion Stanford is the perfect place if you want extremely motivated/accomplished people but don’t want a cutthroat atmosphere. People are extremeley supportive here, and I have never heard of sabotaging (the thought of it sickens me). I work on PSets and study together with my friends in the same classes (knowing very well that if they do better than me I might get destroyed by the curve) but frankly I don’t care. Enjoying time with my friends is much more valuable to me than my grade in an intro econ class. There is really no academic competition here. Everyone just does their best… together. </p>
<p>There might be an occasional exception among the Pre-Meds, but at least they stay incognito. :-)</p>
<p>I agree with guccigirl; Stanford is great because (most) everyone is extremely smart and motivated and eager to do well, but never at the expense of others. I’ve had friends stay up with me well into the early morning helping me frantically debug my computer programs, just because they’re nice people and everyone wants to see others do well. A lot of people in STEM fields work on p-sets in groups (that’s usually allowed and encouraged by profs), and they help each other out when one person doesn’t understand the material as well. I’ve also seen people drop by their neighbors’ rooms in the dorms and ask for help on problems. It’s a very open, helpful atmosphere.</p>
<p>Thank you so much guys!</p>