I was fortunate enough to be accepted to both MIT and Princeton and visited both schools during their respective preview days. I ultimately chose MIT because I felt more at home during my visit and because I’m tentatively going into computer science. However, I did a lot more research these past few days and wonder if I was mistaken and should have chosen Princeton instead. I’m not exactly sure what I want to major in yet, but I’m definitely sticking to the STEM field. Most interested in data science, statistics, computer science, and might even go the pre-med route.
Reasons for Princeton:
-Stronger undergrad focus at Princeton, so better chance of developing a relationship with professors. Academics are VERY important to me and this is a big plus. I’ve read raving reviews about the comp sci professors on Quora. I’m not very experienced in coding, and being confronted by people MIT who’ve probably been coding since they were born kind of scares me.
-Fewer CS/Engineering/Math majors at Princeton, so it results in a more tightly-knit community amongst those of your own major and also less competition for grades (even though it’ll definitely still be challenging).
-Although Princetonians work really hard, there’s much less of a ‘stress culture’ that MIT seems to be known for. The people I met at Princeton were friendlier in general than MIT prefrosh.
-Liberal arts education. I’m pretty set on entering the science/math fields, but I still value a well-rounded education very much. In addition, there is a more diverse student population since most people aren’t the same major (whereas at MIT, 25% people are in Course 6-Electrical Engineering & Computer Science). I know MIT has heavy humanities requirements and you can cross register at Harvard, but it’s just not the same as being surrounded by people who are passionate about different things than you are.
-Princeton is totally different from what I’m used to (socal girl over here) and I’d feel more challenged socially.
-Princeton just seems more fun?? From eating clubs to zee-groups (you’re grouped with your hallmates in freshman year and the Residential Advisor organizes weekly study breaks) to plenty of on-campus recreational activities, I feel like I always have a way to relax. I’m not much of a partier, so I don’t know how well I’d fit into eating clubs, however.
Reasons for MIT:
-Minutes away from the city. I know NYC and Philly are just an hour away from Princeton via train, but I doubt I’m going to have that much time to explore as I’d like. Having the city right at my fingertips is a great way to spend the weekend with friends.
-I’m slightly awkward and need time for myself, but deep personal connections still matter very much to me. MIT seems to be the place where I can bond more, especially since students often collaborate in large groups to work on psets. Also, when I visited, MIT students seemed more down-to-earth, but I’m sure I could find students who are just as relatable at Princeton.
-As of now, I’d like to go to grad school, but if I change my mind along the way and only do undergrad, MIT seems to be the better place for connections to the tech/science field.
-UROPs: I’m super interested in doing research, and it seems like it’s easier to do this at MIT. Princeton has a senior thesis, but I’ve heard that it’s harder to get research otherwise because there’s no formal group for research.
-Clubs: I attended the club fairs for both schools, and I’m way more interested in the clubs at MIT (solar car club, origami club, archery, I could go on…)
So basically what I’m asking, did I make the right choice?? Is it too late to call and possibly switch? I’m really sorry if this seems like inconsequential worrying to you, this has just been in my mind for days now.