Who do you think knows you better than anyone else in the world?

Which location in France is safe and more scenic—Annemasse or Gaillard? I’m traveling to Geneva and will select accommodations outside the city. I will have an older adult with me, so really looking for a safe and generally pleasant area.
Can an ordinary university or college student reach the same level as an Ivy League student? If so, how especially in fields like engineering, medicine, or finance?