Students at Stanford

<p>I heard from a person who went there that the people at Stanford are all into education, and it's a different feel than from other universities like the UCs. I was wondering if this is true because it's a little extreme isn't it? He said everyone at Stanford has their nose in a book, studying... (not literally but...you get the point)</p>

<p>I have a few friends who go there now... one of them (a girl) parties all the time and the three others (guys) were the type that studied all through high school, but now they're definitely social - i.e. they go out, they party, etc etc.</p>

<p>Well, I was thinking more on the personality part. Kind of like....I like to be around people with different personalities. Some can be smart and quiet, others really social, some crazy and outspoken..etc.. and I heard Stanford, everyone there is like the serious, nice, calm , collected type. I mean I'm one of those people but I still socialize and party, but I don't want a whole school full of people like me. :P</p>

<p>I know three people that go to Stanford...and only one is the serious/studious type guy.</p>

<p>The other two are social butterflies. :)</p>

<p>Also, is everyone at Stanford very smart, or is it like UCLA where there are a lot of smart people but then there are those that just get good grades or worse... so you don't feel like everyone around you is super smart...</p>

<p>Basically, some of the more prestigious schools accept students who aren't at the top of their school and that kind of thing, does Stanford do that too, or it is just the top?</p>

<p>From what I hear, Stanford students are very laid back and calm but know when to be serious about school.</p>

<p>These reasons are exactly why I want to go to Stanford oh so badly!</p>

<p>I think there will be something special about every student admitted, but I seriously doubt everyone at any <em>large</em> school that admits a student body for diverse reasons is going to study 100% of the time. That includes Harvard. THough, my friend there did say that people study pretty hard....I'd kind of expect that anyway ;) </p>

<p>Basically, I think it isn't necessarily the kind of school where every single student works for fun. Some will work so they can get their degrees and go on to a good career [so will be having some fun after midterms and finals at least], some will be studying incessantly...this even fits among the sample who went there from my school; actually, I think even the most academically oriented of these seemed to know how to strike a balance. </p>

<p>I'd worry more about this if I were to go to, say Caltech, or some other small school reputed specifically for workaholism, though of course if you're going to a top notch school, no matter large or small, people will obviously be studying a bunch.</p>

<p>"I heard Stanford, everyone there is like the serious, nice, calm , collected type."</p>

<p>I don't know where you heard this, but that is just silly. Everyone here is serious, nice, calm and collected at some point - they certainly have to be when they're studying. However, that doesn't mean I would describe them as serious, nice, calm and collected people. Many Stanford students are loud, fun and like to party. We wear obnoxious clothing (rally gear anyone?) and generally run around and act like crazy college students. We have a serious side, but if you are seriously wondering if everyone here is boring and the same, you really need to check your sources because that is completely the opposite of reality here. </p>

<p>If any other students want to back me up or disagree here feel free but that is my observation. Part of this is the Stanford duck syndrome at work. People may be quite studious/serious on their own but they work really hard to keep that from showing and instead they spend free time relaxing and having ridiculous amounts of fun.</p>

<p>Well that's good. One reason why I wouldn't have chosen Stanford was because of that, everyone is "the same"</p>

<p>^is that sarcasm..........</p>

<p>no, that wasn't sarcasm. Does that sound like a stupid reason to reject Stanford? It probably is but I don't want my college life to feel boring or something like that. And there are other good choices also. Like Berkeley and UCLA, in my opinion.</p>

<p>^yeah there are a LOT of great choices to go to college, but to say Stanford is boring because the students are the "same" is flawed. ...mainly because Stanford students are anything but the "same" rofl. Nowhere are students all the "same."</p>

<p>Well I meant I wouldn't choose it if it were, but I don't think it is, now. And I didn't know a quicker way of describing what I meant so I put "same" in quotes. I guess my friend just put this picture in my head that stanford was not an interesting environment for a college experience.</p>

<p>Hmm... maybe what you're talking about has to do with the idea of the "Stanford Bubble"? </p>

<p>I have read about that, how since Palo Alto isn't exactly college-friendly, and San Fran isn't a readily convenient trip (still a worthwhile one, I would say), a lot of people stick to campus and get immersed in it entirely, making them the "same." </p>

<p>(Side note: I'm pretty sure that's what the bubble idea talks about...? Correct me if I'm wrong!)</p>

<p>I don't think anyone can argue that people are the "same" at any college campus. Sure, there are places that have a larger percentage of students that fit their school's stereotype making them a ready target (i.e. CalTech), but I'll bet that on the majority of campuses, there's an interesting variety of people to meet, make friends with, etc. As for Stanford, I can't say I have first hand experience, but obviously they study - for most of them, that's how they got in and that's how they'll stay in - but there are sooo many options for other things to do that it's a conscious decision to make, whether you want to be in a "bubble" or venture out and explore. </p>

<p>Almost everyone I've spoken to at Stanford - alums, current students, friends - said that their number one favorite thing about the school is its people, there's so much to learn from them, so many different backgrounds and stories to share, that it brings the college experience to life, in a really rich personal way. </p>

<p>I've heard similar things from other schools as well (Harvard).</p>

<p>Mmmkay, I don't know why I got so defensive-ish but the stereotype deal kinda bugs me. :] I think that's enough for one night though... insomnia drew me to CC. Even though I'm not on here very often, it's nice to say hello. So, HELLO! and goodnight.</p>