<p>Because my school limits the number of applications to 10, I can only apply to one "astronomical reach" type of school, and I'm hesitating between Brown and Princeton. I love Brown's open curriculum and its emphasis on intellectual exploration, but I love Princeton's undergrad focus and the fact that it's the smallest Ivy. Brown has a higher acceptance rate, but half my grade (or so it seems) is applying there; Princeton is more generous with financial aid, but that's besides the point if I don't get in. I've posted my credentials [url="<a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=241270%22%5Dhere%5B/url">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=241270"]here[/url</a>] if it's at all relevant. I'm interested both in comparisons of the two in general and which you think would be a better fit for me.</p>
<p>Misc. facts about me: I go to a very small high school (~50 students in the class of '07). *Any college will seem huge to me. I'm undecided as far as majors go, but leaning towards economics or sociology, perhaps with a minor/second major in French (though I'm *interested in everything from neuroscience to creative writing). My dream career would be to work for an international organization dealing with issues like education, the environment, or public health.
*I'm a politically moderate trilingual Swedish vegan atheist who is equally likely to shop at Urban Outfitters as at J. Crew. I'm not opposed to partying, but I prefer good friends and conversation to random strangers and cheap beer.</p>
<p>Sorry, I forgot to mention that I already am applying to Dartmouth. What I meant to say is that I have space left on my list for one more reach, but only one... so that's what I'm trying to decide here.</p>
<p>Princeton, Brown, Dartmouth - you really can't go wrong with any of those choices in terms of elite academic institutions, strength in the liberal arts, gorgeous campuses, undergraduate focus, quality of life, post-graduate options, graduation rate, etc.</p>
<p>It's no wonder they are amongst the most popular colleges not only out of the Ivies but schools across the nation.</p>
<p>from what you've written i'd say brown would be a better fit for you than princeton. you sound like the kind of student who would really thrive in an open curriculum, given that's there just so much you know you want to study. also, princeton is not more undergrad-focused than brown, and not considerably smaller, especially in light of the 500 student expansion being phased in over the next couple of years.</p>
<p>besides, there is an urban outfitters and a jcrew within walking distance of brown's campus. princeton only has jcrew. (if i knew how to put in one of those smiley faces, i'd do so here)</p>
<p>oh, yeah, and as a vegan you're far less likely to starve at brown than at princeton. supply and demand.</p>
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princeton is not more undergrad-focused than brown
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<p>Right (sarcastic tone). If anything, Princeton is JUST as undergrad-focused as Brown. There's a reason that Princeton doesn't have many major graduate programs.</p>
<p>You sound more like Brown to me (I'm a Brown alumna). I liked Princeton too, so I can understand the question, but the schools are very different.</p>
<p>Being a Swedish vegan atheist must be exhausting. Go to Brown. You won't have enough energy to take required courses at Princeton. Princeton is a huge reach even for 2380 SAT Protestant valedictorian carnivores. Your chances at Brown would be much better.</p>
<p>Oh, because clearly my nationality, (lack of) religion, and dietary choices are such great indicators of my academic potential? Sorry, I don't really see your point there. </p>
<p>My goal is a well-rounded education, and whether that be achieved by means of an open curriculum or a set of distribution requirements isn't of great importance to me. Concerning my oh-so-lamentable SAT scores, I can only say... touché.</p>
<p>edited to add: No offense meant, of course, but snarky comments deserve equally snarky replies. :p</p>
<p>I couldn't resist the compulsion to be sarcastic right back at him, but I screwed up and only managed to sound insulted. I edited my post to clarify.</p>
<p>Camelias, Sorry to be repetitive but schools that put limits on the number of applications make me so incensed! It forces you to make a decision for all the wrong reasons when the last thing you need at this time is more stress. </p>
<p>Please do talk to your counselor about a waiver. You have a good reason for every school on your list and as an international who needs substantial aid you also have a good reason to have a longer rather than shorter list. Brown and Princeton are both excellent choices for you!</p>
<p>If you're stuck with 10, then my suggestion would be to cut out something in the middle. I’d stay with Bryn Mawr because I think it’s a true safety and with Macalester because they are international friendly. I’d eliminate either Chicago or Middlebury.</p>
<p>See, the joke was that being Swedish takes no effort, and being an Atheist and Vegan are not about DOING something, they are about NOT doing something, so they WOULDN'T be exhaus...oh, never mind. I still say Brown sounds much much more like the place for you, and you're much more likely to get in.</p>