The impact of different schools is unknown, but more important is the influence of university life itself on one’s life. Over the past x years I have come to recognize many things—my own pathology and cowardice, future opportunities and paths, the gray reality, and endless suffering.
However, I superficially believe that attending different schools wouldn’t make much difference, because what shapes my past and future is more my internal factors.
Employment at 985 ends up being similar; it still depends on how much you’re willing to invest over four years, and internship opportunities aren’t that important to me.
Luck has been good; I’ve met several great friends, as well as some opposite extremes, which gave me a good understanding of human behavior patterns.
Prices, the cafeteria are okay, and the accommodation is a bit worse than expected.
I had a relationship; we got along very well, understood many things, we could be considered role models for each other, and I realized that what I most want in a relationship is authenticity and trust.
I read many modern textbooks across various disciplines, which helped organize my experiences and established many concepts that are missing but important in society and culture.
I am increasingly disappointed with my peers overall.
I might find going to Shanghai Jiao Tong or Tsinghua far more painful, since the experience at Jiao Tong (the “chicken head”) is better than at Tsinghua (the “cow tail”)
People fight for a breath of air, Buddhists fight for a single incense stick. If I go to the top schools like Huawuxingqingbei, I could end up in the latter 50%, fall into self‑doubt and then give up, and my knowledge level and drive might actually be worse than spending four years at Xi’an Jiaotong (and even if I pursue a master’s, it’s highly unlikely I’ll get a top advisor).
I think confidence is a pretty valuable thing
Sometimes it’s because of my “confidence” or “arrogance” (?), that I push myself to accomplish something that was previously hard to finish, creating a positive feedback loop that makes me even more confident.
Imagining a road never taken is hard to achieve. But the style of the school is different, and it still influences people, although personal factors are dominant.
Currently, the resources I receive from XJTU are unlikely to be provided elsewhere, so I am very grateful for building my worldview here and receiving training in how to get things done. During the graduate stage I clearly feel that some of my viewpoints have become solidified, which may be difficult to change again.
From a more long‑term perspective it’s hard to say, because I clearly sense that the styles of different schools differ. The engineering atmosphere at XJTU is very strong, while Fudan is more relaxed. If I had attended another university for my undergraduate studies, I suppose I would have followed my classmates onto a completely different path.
The feature is that it’s a flagship course at Jiao Tong University, the workload is heavy, the grades are low, and after completing it I still don’t know what it’s useful for.
(and even if I pursue a master’s, it’s highly unlikely I’ll get a top advisor).
