Yep. I completely understand and agree with your sentiment. I am in the same position now and when I leave the state school to visit friends at "elite schools"

Yep. I completely understand and agree with your sentiment. I am in the same position now and when I leave the state school to visit friends at "elite schools" the entire vibe is changed. There is an incentive to be the best and constantly learn there, will at a large university it's more about just passing through the system.