Not everyone is cutthroat, a bad word. High strung is more the case , and very grades and goal directed. Again not even the majority are that way. But it doesn’t take a majority to color the air that way. A puff of smoke can make that difference. A critical core can do that with students. Schools have an atmosphere, a vibe , a feel. Hopkins has that rep for good reason. It’s not the only school that way. Very different from schools with a more relaxed, joyful atmosphere.