Are some colleges known to be more stressful than others?

Hey, I'm starting to narrow down my college list and one thing I'm considering is stress culture. I know that any college will be challenging but some institutions might have a super competitive environment, workload, or other factors that make their students more stressed. Which colleges have such a reputation?

Absolutely, certain schools have earned a reputation over time for their stress cultures. A notable case is MIT, often lauded for its rigorous academic curriculum particularly in math, science, and engineering. Many students report a high-pressure environment, though the school offers a vibrant community and plentiful resources to support wellbeing.

Stanford, despite its reputation for fostering a laid-back, sun-soaked Californian vibe, also has a high-level of rigor due to its emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship, pushing students to excel in their respective fields.

The Ivy League is not without its stress culture. UPenn, for example, is renowned for its "work hard, play hard" ethos and pre-professionalism, particularly within Wharton, its business school, where competitive courses can add pressure.

On the East Coast, Columbia's core curriculum is known to be demanding, necessitating a wide variety of classes outside of students' majors, which can add to a tough workload.

Keep in mind that challenges can provide growth opportunities and any potential stress can be mitigated by effective time management, frequent touch-base with academic advisors and proper use of mental health resources provided by the schools. Additionally, it is important to note that anecdotal experiences can vary greatly and not every student at these schools may feel an extreme level of stress. Choosing a college should be a multi-faceted decision and the perceived stress culture should be just one of many considerations. It's really about the right fit in terms of size, location, programs, culture, and overall environment.