<p>I know there's already a post like this on the boards, but-- for History or Political Science, is Harvard or Stanford better? I've been accepted to both.</p>
<p>Another factor(s) to consider is that I'm not a fan of greek life, like cities, and want somewhere that is politically active and liberal.</p>
<p>I don’t know anything about Stanford since I’ve never been there, but you can’t go wrong at Harvard for either History or Political Science. (Just FYI, the equivalent of the PoliSci department at H is called Government, so don’t get confused if people refer to it that way.) Both the history and government concentrations have a huge range of course offerings and some really awesome professors. I don’t know too much about History, but here’s what I know about the political scene: </p>
<p>In the Gov department, many of the professors have worked in the highest levels of government themselves, and bring their experience to bear in their teachings. A great example: Roger Porter (who is also the Dunster House master) teaches a course called The American Presidency every year (I believe it’s a two-parter, with half offered in Fall and half in Spring, but that might’ve changed). In any event, Porter worked in the White House for more than a decade, as Director of the White House Office of Policy Development for the Reagan administration, Assistant to the President for Economic and Domestic Policy under Bush I, and Executive Secretary of the Presidents Economic Policy Board under Ford. </p>
<p>That’s the sort of person you’ll have unrestricted access to at Harvard. And what’s even better, you can take courses at the Kennedy School of Government if by some miracle you exhaust your options in the undergraduate Gov. department. Harvard also has the Institute of Politics, which regularly brings in political heavyweights for panels, talks, and to participate in policy study groups with students. I think you’d be hard-pressed to find a more politically active campus than Harvard. The student body and faculty do seem to lean left for the most part, but there are some very vocal conservative groups and individuals. </p>
<p>As far as greek life, it exists on campus but doesn’t dominate the social scene at all. And of course, the city of Boston is only a few subway stops away from campus.</p>
<p>thanks. </p>
<p><em>bump</em></p>
<p>Are you used to be in places where it, at sometimes, is bonecrackingly cold? :D</p>
<p>Wouldn’t you like the palms, the heat, and the beach? :)</p>
<p>Heat? In Palo Alto?</p>
<p>Lack of snow, yes. Heat, rarely. Beach, more likely in a wet suit. It’s not L.A. (IMHO, the climate is excellent – it’s just not very hot.)</p>
<p>“I’m not a fan of greek life, like cities”</p>
<p>This points you to Harvard.</p>
<p>Based on all your preference factors, I would choose Harvard.</p>
<p>Palo Alto is a suburban bubble with a high-end shopping mall and technology office parks…not much for a politically active history buff.</p>
<p>These are pretty inaccurate descriptions of Stanford… everyone on the Harvard board bashes Stanford. Stanford is just as good as Harvard on so many levels. At both places you will have brilliant people. Make the decision based on location pretty much. Do you like snowy, freezing north east winters? Or beautiful weather all year round?</p>
<p>Excepted, why don’t you tell us which descriptions are untrue, and the basis of your opinion that they are untrue?</p>
<p>I am currently making this same decision. I’m leaning a little towards Harvard right now but honestly i still feel like it could go either way. I’m thinking of going pre-med, so I think either school will have outstanding programs. One thing that is attractive about Stanford is their human biology major. I like the idea of living in a big city like boston though.</p>
<p>“Palo Alto is a suburban bubble with a high-end shopping mall and technology office parks…not much for a politically active history buff.”</p>
<p>Notice that UCBChemEGrad said that. ;)</p>
<p>I concur with Harvard, obviously, from your description.</p>
<p>STANFORD IS THE BESTTTTTT!! but i’d suggest harvard for you…</p>
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<p>uh…no?</p>