<p>I know this is a pretty good decision to have to make, but that doesn't make it any easier. I got in to Cornell and Stanford, waitlisted at Princeton and am trying to decide if I should take a place on the waitlist, or should I just go to one of the other two and not bother waiting. I will probably major in one of the following: computer science, engineering, mathematics, or physics. Any suggestions? Personally, I liked Princeton's campus the least, but I also feel like I'll get the best undergrad education there. Stanford also seemed like I would be at one of the very top universities, but I got the sense that they were more focused on the graduate work than the undergrad. I didn't get that sense from Cornell, but I also think that if I'm looking to get ahead in the business world, Cornell doesn't quite carry the same name recognition as Stanford and Princeton and maybe is a tiny bit short of the other two in terms of academics (although I know I would still get a great education there). Any help?</p>
<p>since you wish to go into computer science, engineering, etc., I would just pick btwn Stanford and Cornell, not worrying about Pton's waitlist. I would, however, sign up for the waitlist just to see what happens. </p>
<p>First, Cornell has one of the best CS and engineering departments in the country. But, Stanford's is even better than Cornell's. Regardless, I would say that these differences in ranks aren't very significant and you should be able to get a good education at either place and a good job post graduation as long as your perform well at either places. </p>
<p>Second, which college campus and 'feel' do you like the best? Being happy at your college of your choice is a must for anyone to be successful at college level. Although Stanford and Cornell are both superb places socially and academically, the two places have different social scenes. Most people I know at Cornell are very satisfied with their social lives here just bc so many people are outgoing, friendly, and the fact that there are tons of activities going on at Cornell campus. Plus, Cornell has a very dominant Greek Scene and the parties here get very wild durring the weekends. Stanford, on the other hand, has D1 sports, is near Bay area, and is located in a very nice area of Palo Alto. But, I felt that Stanford student body was not as cohesive as Cornell's and the Greek scenes there aren't as prevalent. </p>
<p>Besides these comments, the most important factor to consider is the cost of attending each. Between these two, I would go where the fin aid is more generous since these two are both excellent in the academic/social aspects.</p>
<p>Stanford is oriented heavily toward graduate education. It isn't necessarily the best place to be an undergraduate. At Stanford, I think about 60% of the students are grad students but at Cornell only 30% are grad students. Cornell CS and engineering is better than Stanford for undergrad.</p>
<p>Princeton, on the other hand, has an undergrad focus. Although I am a Cornell-lover, I might choose Princeton if the opportunity presents itself, because of the overall reputation. But, Cornell engineering edges Princeton engineering nevertheless.</p>
<p>In terms of money, the here's my situation: my parents are well-off enough that completely paying for my education is possible for them and because these schools (to my knowledge) mostly offer need-based financial aid, I don't qualify for that. However, though possible, it will be difficult. So cost is an issue, but not a huge one. Anyway, the difference between these 3 is only about $1000 per year, including living expenses and books (or at least according to collegeboard)</p>
<p>But thanks for the other advice so far.</p>
<p>Don't worry about any $$ differences if they will be within 20k of eachother, which, by your post, they will all be the same since youre paying the full boat. You will make plenty after graduation.</p>
<p>computer science and engineering? Stanford of course!</p>
<p>Get yourself off the waitlist at Princeton... Stanford is a better school for what you want to do anyway, and it's more fun.</p>
<p>go to stanford!! waitlists are too stressful!!</p>
<p>Your so right...
and Stanford is better!!!</p>
<p>If you check US NEWS graduate school ranking, Stanford is ranked higher than Cornell and Princeton in computer science and probably in any other engineering department. In the last 40 years, Stanford has generated more critical technology inventions than any other place in the world.</p>
<p>Stanford for engineering/CS.</p>
<p>You have to go with Stanford for your interests. Maybe if you're lucky you will get into Cal for grad school. :-)</p>