I have the privilege of choosing between Harvard and Stanford (undergrad), and I’m currently very torn. I’m interested in CS, but I definitely want to double major with Business, Econ, or Government which I’ve heard is very strong at Harvard. I’m also interested in entrepreneurship, which is apparently more prominent at Stanford. Both schools have such amazing qualities, and it’s hard to sort out my thoughts.
Harvard’s CS is more theoretical, while Stanford’s is more practical. What are the pros and cons of both?
Location. I’ve lived in the Bay Area all my life so Stanford would be close by (not necessarily a bad thing) while Harvard would be a new (colder) experience which I might not adapt well to.
Startup scene and emphasis on entrepreneurship. Stanford is in Silicon Valley which is right in the middle of startup kingdom and a ton of VC money. But Harvard also has a growing scene (or so I’ve heard) and there is also some push from the university. Thoughts?
Financial Aid. Stanford gave me slightly more money, which is a factor. But I might be able to get a match from Harvard.
I’ve heard the Stanford might be too heavily focused on CS and engineering, and Harvard has a smaller program so that you can stand out and have a tight community. Is this true?
One reason I’m leaning towards Harvard right now is because of their strong Econ and Gov’t programs that are really prominent at the school. Thoughts?
Culture. The sunny, outgoing vide at Stanford really fits with my personality, and I’ve heard students at Harvard are more serious. Is this true?
Thank you so much for your help! I really appreciate it you guys!
Harvard CS is not exactly small, with 700 students in the introductory CS course according to http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2015/9/14/ec10-cs50-largest-enrollments/ , which is similar to the enrollment in Stanford’s introductory CS course. However, the number of CS majors at graduation shrinks to around 100 at Harvard and 250 at Stanford.
With respect to economics, Stanford only offers more math-intensive (multivariable calculus required) intermediate economics courses (for economics majors), while Harvard offers varying levels of math-intensity (single variable calculus or multivariable calculus).
From a strictly CS and tech standpoint, Stanford is the best you can get. If you’re going into the industry, often theoretical CS can be a negative, though if you’re specialized enough, you can go into CS research from a theoretical side. Still, you could do that well at Stanford too. It’s cheaper for you, and offers better weather and personality fit it sounds like. Boston/Cambridge has a very northeast city vibe, which in general is a bit culturally colder compared to California. If you’re looking for warm and friendly, Stanford again.
You could study plenty of other things at Stanford (such as Business/Econ/Gov), which offers great programs across the board too.
Obviously, there’s not a bad choice here. Personally, based on the info you provided, I’d go Stanford.
@Lovethelourve I feel for your interests Stanford has the edge, in terms of academic strength and location While the scene at Harvard and Boston might be growing in doesn’t come close to Stanford and Sillicon Valley.
Also Stanford has just as strong econ, government departments which are smaller than Harvard’s so it is a smaller more intimate community.
The same could be said about the CS department at Harvard vs Stanford (i.e. smaller, tighter CS community) , but Harvard’s CS/engineering offeringing are not on the level of Stanford’s , while Stanford’s econ and govt offerings are on Harvard’s level.
Also the financial aid and weather issues do tip scales in favor of Stanford a bit. But you don’t lose anything by trying to get Harvard to match.
Unless you feel you would fit a lot better at Harvard, I personally don’t see why you would choose Harvard.
And from what you are saying you seem to fit in better at Stanford. yes Stanford has a more outgoing, less serious vibe than Harvard and the social life is said to be quite better.