<p>I was accepted to both Harvard and Stanford and am having an extremely difficult time choosing one. No bad choice here, but since I love the schools so much it is impossible to turn one down.</p>
<p>I intend to major in physics, mathematics, or applied mathematics but there is a decent probably that I may pick something different altogether.</p>
<p>Without considering distance and cost, which school would you pick for the best overall experience and why?</p>
<p>Thanks for the input.</p>
<p>Wow, congrats.</p>
<p>I'd go with Stanford. I don't like Harvard.</p>
<p>Stanford. IMO, it has much better weather, a better campus, much better food (nothing beats getting authentic Asian food), better programs (one of the best in engineering vs. no engineering, for example), more laid back and fun student body, less of that dynastic elitism and snobiness. </p>
<p>Of course, this is coming from a very biased person.</p>
<p>I'd choose Stanford just for the possibility that you might become interested in engineering. (since you like physics and math)</p>
<p>GatorEng23...</p>
<p>While engineering might be something that I will be interested in down the road, I have determined that I will definitely not major in engineering as an undergraduate. I think it would restrict my plans more than physics or math, which are useful tools for just about any field I choose to enter. So, the fact that Harvard does not have strong engineering is not really a concern.</p>
<p>What are your plans, may I ask? Engineering is probably the most versatile undergraduate degree.</p>
<p>Harvard. It has a better reputation, regardless of what some might claim. Granted, Stanford is an amazing school. But to most, Harvard will remain in above all else. And really, they'll be great for whatever you major in. Suppose you can't find all the math or science courses you want. Well, you can cross-register at MIT automatically.</p>
<p>But Harvard and MIT are on different academic calendars which complicates cross-registration. I don't think Stanford suffers in reputation in comparison to Harvard. (Chelsea Clinton chose Stanford over Harvard.)</p>
<p>RCMan..what are your stats.. i am really amazed that you got into both Stanford and Harvard (i hope i do too)</p>
<p>IMO i like Stanford, however Harvard might have a better Mathematics program...</p>
<p>Well I got accepted to Stanford (EA), Harvard, and Yale. I chose to rule out Yale because I feel that it does not suit my interests in physics and math the way Stanford and Harvard do.</p>
<p>As far as my stats...</p>
<p>SAT: 2360 (760 CR, 800 M, 800 W)
SAT II: 800 Physics, 790 Math Level II, 800 US History
Valedictorian of my high school class.
Lots of extracurriculars with tons of awards including Intel Semifinalist, NCTE Achievement Award in Writing, Second Place in a national essay contest, lots of local math awards, Quizbowl team captain, community service, etc.
But .... no legacy, not a minority, not an athlete, no connections, from an overrepresented region.</p>
<p>In my eyes the two schools are academically dead even, from the overall picture to what I want to study. I am really interested in the atmospheres of both schools and the happiness of the students.</p>
<p>Have you visited both schools? I would try to do that, it probably will be the deciding factor in your decision. Bottom line is that you can't go wrong with either school.</p>
<p>I have visited both schools. When I visited Stanford I loved it. The campus is gorgeous and everyone seemed relaxed. I decided then and there that I would apply to Stanford EA. I visited Harvard too and did not know what to think, but classes were not in session and I had already decided to apply to Stanford EA, meaning that it was difficult to get any real impression. I will be attending the Harvard admit weekend.</p>
<p>I realize that I cannot go wrong with either school, which makes the decision tougher.</p>
<p>My friend was in a similar conundrum... she decided on Stanford, because she said she would have felt worse passing Stanford up than passing Yale up. She's also math/physics. Loves it.</p>
<p>harvard >stanford in pure math
stanford>harvard in applied math (computational math, OR, statistics, etc)</p>
<p>harvard=stanford in physics (theory side)
stanford>harvard in applied physics.</p>
<p>Faculty membership in US national academy of science in math, applied math, physics, and applied physics:</p>
<p>HARVARD
math (8 members)
applied math (1)
physics (8)
applied physics (2)</p>
<p>STANFORD
math (6)
applied math (9)
physics (13)
applied physics (2)</p>
<p>YALE
math (3)
applied math (2)
physics (3)
applied physics (3)</p>
<p>Depends on personal taste.</p>
<p>Yea the schools have very different atmospheres, especially the urban vs. rural differences. I like both feelings though - I can see myself equally happy in both environments.</p>
<p>Flip a coin, lol.</p>
<p>Haha that is what it may come down to. Either that or picking between two shades or red, Crimson or Cardinal.</p>
<p>Think of where you might want to leave and work. If you prefer California, Stanford has better alumni network in California. If you think you might work in the NorthEast then Harvard. Weather is another factor, they are at opposite ends.</p>