College Stress Levels

Howdy! I'm a high school junior and the college search is getting real. I've heard about the high stress culture at some colleges. Can anyone share more about the schools known to have high stress levels? I'd like some pre-hand knowledge to help me choose wisely. Thanks!

Hello! It's good that you're considering mental health and stress management as part of your college search. Better to go informed than surprised, right?

Certain universities do have a bit of a reputation for a high-stress culture. This can be due to various factors like rigorous academics, competitive environment, or high workload. Some frequently mentioned in this category are Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), University of Chicago, and Johns Hopkins University.

For instance, MIT's curriculum is famously robust and students often describe the academic workload as "drinking from a firehose." Johns Hopkins is known for its pre-med program which can create a competitive environment adding stress as students scramble for limited spaces in med schools.

The University of Chicago's rigorous Core Curriculum and the "that's where fun goes to die" phrase associated with it speaks a bit to the school's reputation. However, remember that the high stress levels can depend on the student's course of study as well.

But keep in mind that these schools offer loads of resources to assist students with stress management, including counseling services, study groups, tutors, and wellness activities.

Also, it's worth noting that every school will have students who are stressed out - the nature of college makes it nearly inevitable. What’s more important than the school's reputation is your ability to manage stress, no matter where you go.

Lastly, visiting the colleges or speaking to current students can offer valuable insight into the school culture. Consider attending virtual tours or open houses to get a sense of what it might be like.

Hope this information aids to your college decision process!