Hey, I'm currently narrowing down my college list and I'm genuinely interested in knowing about colleges that have a reputation for having a 'depressing' environment or are known for high levels of stress. It's not that I want to go there but I might want to avoid them!
While it's important to note that what one person finds stressful or "depressing", another might find challenging and exciting, there are a few colleges that often come up when talking about intense academic environments with high stress levels. Here are a few:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): Known for its rigorous curriculum, it's no surprise students may feel the pressure. However, the university also provides a lot of support for students.
- California Institute of Technology (Caltech): Similar to MIT, Caltech is another tech-focused school with rigorous academics which might lead to high stress levels among its student body.
- University of Chicago: UChicago is often jokingly referred to as "where fun goes to die". The workload is significant and the academic rigor is high, however, many students thrive in UChicago's intellectual environment.
- Johns Hopkins University: Especially for pre-med and BME students, the workload and competition can be intense.
It's also crucial to note that these colleges have high averages of mental health issues, but they also tend to have good mental health resources available for students. Ultimately, remember that the "fit" of a school--including its academic intensity, campus culture, location, size--differs significantly for everyone. The schools listed might be a magnet for high-achieving students looking for academic rigor and thrive on the intensity. Be sure to take campus tours, talk to current students, and do your research.
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