I also went to a state university (Rutgers). I was in an Honors program (in engineering) with plenty of other smart students, but I was still often one of the best academically in the room. I didn’t feel much of a “small pond” effect there; when I drifted away from the friends I made in my first year, it was for other reasons.
Rutgers is a better university than mine. Studying engineering in the honors program I still felt very alone. I’m glad it (sounds like?) you felt like you fit in there somewhat. Still, it’s very possible to underestimate the size of the minimum-sized pond you’ll be able to flourish in. “Lonely at the top” and all that.
I also went to a state university (Rutgers). I was in an Honors program (in engineering) with plenty of other smart students, but I was still often one of the best academically in the room. I didn’t feel much of a “small pond” effect there; when I drifted away from the friends I made in my first year, it was for other reasons.
Rutgers is a better university than mine. Studying engineering in the honors program I still felt very alone. I’m glad it (sounds like?) you felt like you fit in there somewhat. Still, it’s very possible to underestimate the size of the minimum-sized pond you’ll be able to flourish in. “Lonely at the top” and all that.