Should I aim for CS in MIT or Harvard? Both are really good schools I want to apply
Without your stats, EC’s etc no one can help you. Even if you are a top student you will likely be rejected at both schools.
One (or both) may make the decision for you. Apply to both and the one that accepts you is the better school.
They are very different schools. They share a location in close proximity to each other, but have very different vibes, different philosophies. The fact that you think they’re practically interchangeable as a fit for you tells me you still have a lot of research to do.
Have you visited them? My S20 visited both and they are quite different. Matter of fact, that helped him decide not to apply to MIT. It just wasn’t his vibe and atmosphere. So, definitely do some research on that. And know that they are extreme reaches for everybody, even if you have perfect stats.
From a pure “reputation” standpoint - MIT. But that’s an aggregate view that’s not specific to any one student.
You should attend where you feel most comfortable, have opportunities to do the things you want to do outside of class, etc. - you will be more successful where you are happy.
I also suggest applying to both. The odds of admission to both is extremely slim, you you likely won’t have to make the choice. More important is your decision on alternatives, as the vast majority of students that apply to either, or both, get rejected from all of them.