[dlo]

I would say go back to Stanford if that is an option. You'll grow a lot there. I don't know what you mean by "change," but if you need pointers on how to handle the schoolwork or on how to take advantage of the resources you would have at your disposal, just let me know here and I'll get in touch.

[bsho]

I really do want to go back to Stanford. The change I was referring to was the culture. There is so much brilliance in a place like that, and I was not prepared (as someone that rode the school bus 4 hours a day for most of my public schooling) for such a huge change. I owe Stanford tuition, though, so that isn't an option until I can pay it off.

[dlo]

I would revisit this. Financial aid at Stanford is extremely generous... I was a beneficiary myself. Someone in that office will help you figure this out. I am still in the Bay Area, so if you need someone on the ground, let me know.

To be honest, your $20K loan sounds like an error. Alumni like myself do not donate back to Stanford so that things like this happen.

EDIT: Added the final paragraph.

[aadamson]

Yeah, I'm trying to think through how that could have happened in one year.

[kazinator]

Tuition aside, are you in good academic standing?

[bsho]

Yes, I managed to keep a good grade average (beside the Ws for withdrawing when I did).