Harvard or Princeton?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Princeton University
1

<p>I was fortunate enough to get into several top schools, and I've narrowed these two down as my final choices. I'm planning to major in economics, and possibly a minor (or certificate) in music.</p>

<p>I've had my sights set on Harvard for a long time, but for the past several years I've also heard reports (which I admittedly ignored) of family friends' kids who graduated from there and now can't find a job anywhere. From everything I've been gathering, it seems like you can either make it or break it at Harvard - either you work really hard and do really well, or you end up transferring majors to something easier so your GPA doesn't drop too much. </p>

<p>On the other hand, Princeton seems like a 'safer' route - I've heard lots of instances where people with just a bachelor's degree are getting positions at big banking companies, and that P is for undergrad while H is for grad. I also like how you get a lot more attention from professors at P!</p>

<p>I haven't visited Princeton, but really want to go to Boston, and I couldn't care less about any comparisons between the prestige of the two schools :P</p>

<p>Any input would be awesome.</p>

2

<p>Take my opinion with a grain of salt (I will be starting at Princeton as a grad student in economics next fall). Princeton has an absolutely amazing campus and it’s located in a very cute little town. The problem is that Princeton is a wealthy area so things aren’t cheap and it’s literally in the middle of nowhere so you may have to head to NY or Philly (about an hour by train) if you want a city. Of course, you avoid these issues in Cambridge.</p>

<p>I don’t really know much about the culture of Harvard but Princeton is known for having very happy students and an overall good atmosphere. You say you want to major in economics. Here I can be of help :slight_smile: Both have amazing departments. You can’t go wrong. At Princeton everyone is required to write a senior thesis so you’ll have to work with faculty, as you wanted. If you’re interested in banking then you can’t go wrong with either as both schools (along with Wharton) are probably the top feeders for banks. I don’t know if Harvard has that “sink or swim” feel (I would imagine not) but keep in mind that Princeton has implemented a “grade deflation” policy. You’ll have to get current students to weigh in on how much of an effect it’s had.</p>

<p>In sum, go where you think you’ll feel more comfortable.</p>

3

<p>If you care about the quality of your undergraduate education, come to Princeton. If you don’t, go to Harvard.</p>

4

<p>Campus: Princeton easily
Opportunities: same
Class quality: I’d say Princeton from what I’ve heard of Harvard classes (huge, professors don’t really care, etc.)
Prestige: Harvard, but not necessarily a good thing. I think Princeton has just the right amount of prestige - everyone thinks you’re showing off when you tell them you went to Harvard, even if they asked you
GPA: Harvard</p>

5

<p>Many people from many top schools have been unable to find jobs. This has been the worst recession in decades. If you like Boston, and haven’t even visited Princeton, I do not think the recession is a reason to change your mind.</p>