Harvard vs. Stanford

<p>Hey everybody. I need a little help on a college decision. I got into Stanford and Harvard (yay) but I can't make up my mind where to go between the two.</p>

<p>I love Stanford. I know that it's an amazing school (top 4 in nation), and is laid-back and fun. I'll also be a 3rd generation. I'm pretty sure i'll have a great time.</p>

<p>But then there's Harvard. I love Boston, and would like to go to the East Coast. The education is obviously top-notch and Harvard is... well Harvard. The only question I have with Harvard is whether ill enjoy it. I've heard way to many stories about people hating Harvard because it was too stressful/competitive and was no fun.</p>

<p>Can people who go or went to either of the schools help me out? Any advice from anybody would help.</p>

<p>Hmmm, well Harvard is only competitive if you make it competitive, simple enough. However, it can definitely be a stressful environment, and people do become incredibly irritable at times. But looking back at the seven months or so I've been here, I can definitely say that I have really enjoyed my year thus far. You know, great people to interact with, having conversations that can last for hours. In general, just a rewarding experience. So yeah, I hope you make it to pre-frosh and make the "right" ;) choice.</p>

<p>Thanx. Also, I forgot to ask? What is the party scene like at Harvard? And how would you describe the two student bodies (without the word diverse)? Are Harvard students outgoing? I enjoy intellectual pursuits and conversations, but I also love sports and random fun. Would Stanford or Harvard fit better?</p>

<p>They are both great schools; you can't go wrong with either one. So look at this as a chance to broaden yourself for four years. If you grew up on the east coast go to Stnaford. If you grew up on the west coast go to Harvard.</p>

<p>lol, coureur. I was born in Boston, raised in San Diego.</p>

<p>Party scene is enjoyable when active. You can generally find some random room party going on during the weekends, though partying during the week is definitely not commonplace. Furthermore, there are occassionally droughts, notably during reading period (but not really) and definitely finals week (apart from primal scream) though partying grows quickly once students are done with their respective finals. As to the student body (can't really speak for Stanford), the general majority is passionate, articulate, intelligent, outgoing, and easy going, apart from a variety of characteristics. As the sports, if you're respective dorm gets into intramurals it can really be an enjoyable experience and when the weather is appropriate (or not in some cases) you can see pick up games of football or people just throwing a frisbee around in the yard. But as to the better fit, just go with what's best for you.</p>

<p>Stanford is in Cali....easy choice?</p>

<p>Also, if you're a sports fan Stanford has Pac-10 athletics.</p>

<p>..........</p>

<p>If you're from Cali, go to Harvard.</p>

<p>check out which school has the best program for the major you want. But also remember that when you say Harvard, there are many doors opening for you. IMO, Harvard is better known than Stanford, but it depends. Good luck with your decision :)</p>

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<p>I envy your position to pick from two of the best institutions in the U.S.</p>

<p>Bah. Good luck wherever you go!</p>

<p>harvard is much better... Stanford is overrated</p>

<p>Haha, I have almost exactly the same problem - deciding between Stanford and MIT. </p>

<p>But considering that I'm from California, MIT seems to be the better option. It's too difficult to discern and analyze their other differences.</p>

<p>Any thoughts?</p>

<p>Harvard is overrated..Stanford is cool</p>

<p>For undergrad, Stanford may be better. Harvard focuses little on undergrads.</p>

<p>Harvard pays a lot of attention to its undergraduates, fuzzylogic. It's a total misconception that undergraduates are thrown into a system with with they are not familiar. I would say that it would make more sense that large flagship state schools wouldn't focus much on the undergraduate population.</p>

<p>Stanford, hands down.
laid back people...
plus weather actually will motivate you to get up in the morning and do work.
Trust me, Boston weather is not so!!
PS do you know where you want to live after college? That might be important as well.</p>

<p>Stanford is awesome; it seems to have really chill and smart students who aren't as cutthroat.</p>

<p>i wish i had that choice..</p>

<p>i'd go with harvard. better postgrad opportunities.</p>

<p>all the best!</p>