[fires10]

I have never understood this sentiment about the classes only being a small part. To me the classes were the only thing of value. Not once did I engage with any classmates outside of class on any academic subject. There was no scholarly learning or discussion. I did have those with professors during class or office hours. The availability tutors was beneficial. Most of the rest I felt was a distraction and a waste of time. There was no network to develop. I am not in contact with a single person I went to college with. It may work for some, but most of my colleagues say very similar things.

[gumby]

Was that at MIT? I think the culture was key. I started a company with a fellow alum 15 years after graduating. We hadn't known each other as students (!) but we had a lot of attitudes in common (which we'd both acquired there).

I did study with other students and learned a lot from them. I'm still friends with a lot of people I met there. The stuff we were learning was often the source of interesting conversations. I'm sorry that didn't work out for you. I do know some of the undergraduate dorms are more isolating than others.

Also MIT is very research oriented -- a lot of faculty only tolerate undergrads because they can be put to work on research. That experience had a huge influence on what I did after graduating and how I approached what I was learning in class. Also by being in the lab I met lots of interesting people from outside the institute who visted for one reason or another.

[Cheer2171]

At MIT? That's such a shame. I had such a different experience.

[gmadsen]

its not completely binary, but the comment was specific to MIT, which is known for having strong academic extra curriculars, which is instilled as a core value into all incoming classes of students. It matters and people care what you do outside of class at MIT.

but even state schools, you get out of it, proportional to what you put in. I'm not sure your exact association with the word "value" , but even basics like resume building are directly impacted by clubs you are a part of. I know many that received job offers explicitly because of their involvement in a robotics F1 or nasa affiliated competition