<p>Its not so much “cheating” (that occurs, sadly, in most schools), as it is an attitude or culture. You can “feel it” on campus when you tour. The tension in you neck rises…your stomach gets queezy. You feel defensive. You look around and everyone is very busy, maybe even a tad hyper, and not very social. Not just in the quiet library, but on the commons, in the dorms. When you walk in the cafeteria. </p>
<p>College is serious business and for many, its so expensive they feel compelled to excel. But the difference is in how they treat one another and how they learn to balance and react to stress. Some are worse than others.</p>
<p>Many pre-professional programs in law and medicine are notoriously like this. Sometimes engineering programs are wickedly competitive. Which is why a campus visit is necessary to see if it fits you and your personality. Some kids thrive like that and others find it either nauseating or fear “the meltdown.” Its never worth your health, so make sure you pick a school where you fit.</p>
<p>I’m not into name calling and I do have my own list of “suspects” for the hyper competitive schools. Just know yourself and what makes you perform at your optimum and how you want to live your life for 4 years. </p>
<p>Good luck.</p>