I went to UCSD (a public university) for undergrad and then Stanford for grad school (PhD). Both programs were CS.
In my opinion, the average CS undergrad at UCSD is honestly not that different from Stanford. At Stanford, there are a few truly, truly brilliant undergrad students; and possibly more than a school like UCSD. But you'll still find more than zero of those at UCSD, and it's not as if you're swimming in them at Stanford.
Having said that, there is definitely a difference in perception. People (especially people who haven't actually gone to Stanford) seem to expect everyone to be extraordinary at Stanford, even if most of the students are "just" modestly smart.
At Stanford, I had a startup founder walk into my office and just start pitching. I'm not sure what they expected to accomplish, but I thanked them and sent them on their way.
I've also met starry-eyed VCs who seemed to be of the impression that everyone in CS is starting a startup, and that I would (as a CS grad student) just be connected to all these people.
Anyway, overall my impression is that the difference in skill isn't that dramatic, but perception doesn't always match reality.
In my opinion, the average CS undergrad at UCSD is honestly not that different from Stanford. At Stanford, there are a few truly, truly brilliant undergrad students; and possibly more than a school like UCSD. But you'll still find more than zero of those at UCSD, and it's not as if you're swimming in them at Stanford.
Having said that, there is definitely a difference in perception. People (especially people who haven't actually gone to Stanford) seem to expect everyone to be extraordinary at Stanford, even if most of the students are "just" modestly smart.
At Stanford, I had a startup founder walk into my office and just start pitching. I'm not sure what they expected to accomplish, but I thanked them and sent them on their way.
I've also met starry-eyed VCs who seemed to be of the impression that everyone in CS is starting a startup, and that I would (as a CS grad student) just be connected to all these people.
Anyway, overall my impression is that the difference in skill isn't that dramatic, but perception doesn't always match reality.