Stanford University

Date: Aug 20 2006
Major: Religion/Religious (This Major's Salary over time)
Stanford was exactly the kind of school I was looking for. I wanted to attend a university on the West Coast, but I also wanted a first-rate education. Stanford obviously satisfies both desires.

I would have to say that my biggest complaints have to do with the surrounding area and the attitude of some students. Palo alto is not what I would call student friendly. The majority of its inhabitants are very well off and the town's shops and restaurants reflect this ($$$).

As for the students, I do not want people to get the wrong impression. I love the students at Stanford. The diversity and friendliness of the student body is at the top of my list of

things I love about Stanford.

However, as a religious studies/philosophy major, I sometimes feel that the pre-professional attitude of Stanford can be a little oppressive. I don't want to say that Stanford students are anti-intellectual, but I would say that many are much more focused on their research and internships than on staying up all night discussing philosophical quandaries. Nevertheless, within certain departments (such as philosophy or religious studies) it is very easy to find people who are passionate about intellectual exploration, whether or not the rest of the world considers it worthwhile. And the majority of other students are also open to having deep conversations. I would just say that this is not the place for those who want to be completely immersed in the type of intellectual atmosphere one might find at an isolated liberal arts college.

Now for the positives. As I said before, I love the students at Stanford. First of all, everyone is brilliant. They have all done amazing things. Secondly, everyone brings something different to the table. The diversity of the student body provides an extremely enriching and eye-opening environment.

I also love the faculty. Those who I have approached for help have gone out of their way to assist me in whatever ways they could.

The campus is beautiful, facilities are in top condition, and there is a huge variety of different student groups one may join. I have also found that it is quite easy to become a part of the community on campus. I love Stanford and I couldn't imagine being anywhere else. I highly recommend it.