<p>Have any of you felt intimidated by all these posts you read?
I first logged onto cc this summer as I started my applications process. I was reading some of the stats for people applying to Stanford, and I was just blown away by the most amazing achievements and the fact that some national merit finalist, captain of this-and-that, president of such-and-such, winner of distinguished-medal-for-this, 3000+ SAT score, 999.99+ GPA valedictorians ... you know, all around over-achieving geniuses any college would die to add to their roster be unsure of their chances of getting in. And I couldn't help but think, "Darn. If these kids are unsure, what hope do I have?" I know, I know, you shouldn't compare, but how is my mediocre EVERYTHING supposed to measure up? But by some force of events, I applied SECA and was dreading December 14th because I knew there would be a rejection letter waiting for me.
Lo and behold, I GOT IN.
I should be walking on air, shouldn't I? But more than a month later, I still believe to some extent that I'll get an email saying, "Oops, sorry. We got you messed up with another kid with the same name. Actually, we didn't mean to accept you, so ignore that... but hey, best of luck though!"
I still can't help but be intimidated by the stats of my future classmates. How am I supposed to share a class with these people when we're not even on the same intellectual field? Am I going to spend the next four years struggling to try to catch up with them?
I love Stanford and I've dreamed of attending Stanford since forever, but from reading everyone's stats, I have a bad feeling I'm not going to fit in!</p>
<p>Everyone's been intimidated on CC before, at some point or another. If you haven't, then you're most likely very arrogant.</p>
<p>It's been deemed the CC syndrome. I tend to agree.</p>
<p>Don't worry, though. So many students--even after getting into top schools--still feel as though they don't measure up. Stanford chose you for a reason. You're unique. You'll fit in just fine.</p>
<p>^i agree 100%. congrats btw :)</p>
<p>My Yale interviewer told me about this when I asked him what Yale was like when he went to school there. He told me that he was put off at first and he felt that he didn't belong at Yale given that a lot of his classmates were from boarding schools and were able to sound or come off as more intellectual than he was. He then continued that his professor once asked him to stay after class and invited him for a cup of coffee where the professor told him that he was as intelligent and worthy of being at Yale and that he shouldn't pack up his bags, leave, and prove them right. Today that alumni interviewer is a rather impressive fellow. Thus, I'm sure that everyone feels that they are inferior but you've been accepted for a reason: they know you'll do well.</p>
<p>Congrats on getting in!
I feel just like you did; seeing the amazing accomplishments and stats of my fellow applicants is beyond intimidating! I am still anxiously awaiting my admission decision, but it feels great to know that I'm not alone in my thinking.
Best of luck next year!</p>
<p>Yes! I had the same experience (but different college--still waiting on Stanford) and the same thoughts!</p>
<p>There are no accidental admissions...you earned it. Be happy and buy a sweatshirt.</p>
<p>otech08-</p>
<p>I, too, thought there was no way my D would get in due to all the perfect scores, grades, and lengthy lists of awards and ecs. But, much to our shock, she did (although she cried for 20 minutes BEFORE opening the email!) And when D was home last weekend she expressed EXACTLY your feelings....and that people would expect her to be more impressive or perfect than she is. The one thing that seemed to help was the current Stanford student who called her last week: apparently D expressed her concerns, and the student stated she, too, had had the same fears. </p>
<p>Hopefully during Admit Weekend you can all talk about it....it seems pretty universal. I'm happy about it because it means you (and the other admits) aren't conceited or arrogant...which should make for a wonderful group of people.</p>
<p>I think my son felt exactly the same way last spring. He has finished his first quarter, got good grades, made many friends, and now knows he "belongs." You belong too.</p>
<p>Don't worry.
The university has its measure in selecting students.
Simply the fact that you are admitted means that your ability can stand up over other applicants.......like me :(</p>
<p>Just get mentally ready for the challenge, and i'm sure you can accomplish what was expected.</p>
<p>don't worry all the kids with high stats were rejected so you shouldn't have anything to worry about...jk i'm sure you'll fit in just fine</p>
<p>Congrats of getting in! I've been so intimidated by the people on CC too. I always think "Well if they can't get in, what about me?" Stanford saw that special quality in you that all those "3000+ SAT, 9.9999 GPA" monsters didn't have. Congratulations!
I'm sure you will fit in fine. Colleges work hard to make sure that their student body is functional and that they will bond. There are always going to be smart-asses that think that they're all that, but most of the time its going to be genuine, kind people. Good Luck! :)</p>
<p>I entirely empathize with you; the statistics of Stanford students are daunting. However, I know two other people that were in an akin circumstance, who excelled just fine in Stanford. A couple of weeks after matriculating into the school, they learned the ropes, and naturally, they cought up.</p>
<p>Don't stress out; I'm sure many students must cope with the same situation you're going through. :)</p>
<p>Smile, you got accepted, for all the right reasons.</p>
<p>Lol, I just want to thank all of you guys for your comments! It's reassuring to know that other people out there feel the same way; it means I won't be completely lonely this fall! ^_^ I suppose transitioning into a new school and campus is never easy, but you guys have helped to relieve part of the worry! Thank you so much!</p>