Is there any evidence that these hates you mention - e.g., flake culture and duck syndrome - are unique (or even highly accentuated) at Stanford? I suspect that these social dynamics are in play to a high degree in society writ large and would be noticeable at other elite universities. (Stanford, MA, 1981)
I think that the Stanford Duck Syndrome is unique to Stanford. Over the past few decades I have not noticed this as much from other schools. I remember when I was an R.A. at Duke. A number of students told me that they had been told that Stanford wasn't as challenging as Duke. I have heard this from students/alumni from other schools. I realized that the reason was the way people describe tough schools. Most people boast that their schools are great because of how hard they have to work. Stanford students/alumni tend to go out of their way to show that they can handle everything. Stanford is a very tough school, maybe not the toughest. But that probably depends on your field of study. But it is probably the most competitive school in the country. Therefore, no one wants to show any weakness. Thus, the Stanford Duck Syndrome. It is hard to develop an adequate support network there. I remember when I was there I COULD not admit that anything was difficult. Usually, I was the only person of color in my class or living environment. So, there was always someone dying to use any difficulty that I was facing as proof that I didn't deserve to be there (Affirmative Action). Even my "friends" would imply that I wasn't as capable as they. I got so sick of the condescending sympathy. "I think that it is unfair for the professor to require you to do the same caliber of work as everyone else." It got to the point that I never let anyone see me study. I had a work-study job at the school's prestigious "think tank." The administrators loved having a black student studying there. They even gave me a key so that I could go there after hours. Although my experience was extreme, I never heard anyone complain about how difficult a class or activity was.
The best thing to do is to visit Stanford first, in addition to its ProFro weekend, and get a feel of the classes, the students, and the overall environment before deciding to go there. This advice applies to any college, really.
Where to start... OK. You guys busted your behinds to get into America's most amazing university. And you're not enjoying it? Really? You're busy. It makes dating, partying, socializing tough. Who would have thought? Here's the deal: Get to know everyone you can, and enjoy every moment. The four years will pass by in a flash. Long after you've forgotten what you learned in some obscure class, your people connections will remain. And, lastly, for smart girls, you say "like" way too much. Please.... don't do that.
