<p>CaptionFal, welcome to adulthood. Are the students at these elite schools highly intelligent or highly motivated? The answer is obviously one, the other or both. But I think most are probably highly intelligent. (I teach college and see a big difference in intelligence/aptitude no matter the motivation) However, these students are also human (obvious cliche). Look at historical legends- brilliant people- who were addicts, had mental illness or std’s. Look at local country clubs and observe the behavior (drunkedness, cheating, etc.) of some very successful, probably highly motivated and maybe intelligent, folks. </p>
<p>I think you will find the social scene to be “disgustingly superficial” wherever you go. The only exceptions I have observed are very religious schools, families, communities. (I am not advocating, just observing)</p>
<p>So find your “not superficial and highly intelligent” classmates at these elite schools. But also expect to see other behaviors. It does not mean they are not intelligent.</p>