Help deciding between Stanford, Brown, Yale, and Princeton (Early Admission)

Student Lounge College Life
1

<p>Hi all, </p>

<p>I'm new here and figured I might as well try my luck seeing what others’ opinions are on my situation. I would especially really appreciate any advice given by alums or undergraduates of the schools that I'm debating between. First, let me tell you what they are:</p>

<p>Tied for 1st & 2nd spot: Stanford and Brown</p>

<p>Really close tie for 3rd & 4th spot: Yale and Princeton</p>

<p>I’m basing these choices on the feel I got visiting campuses and the classes and programs the schools offer, among other things. I have a little bit of time now, and I'm slightly strung out deciding which school I want to apply early to. I also want to consider which schools I’d have a better shot at, since they are all so close and I would be thrilled to get into any of them.</p>

<p>For those of you willing to read, let me go a bit more in-depth regarding my circumstances. Beginning at the end of sophomore year lasting until the middle of junior year, I developed an autonomic neuropathy. Things that were supposed to work automatically, like heart rate, blood pressure, circadian rhythm, and digestion, didn't work. I had constant pain, couldn’t sleep except for every 4th night for a few hours, and could not attend school, though I kept working on a few classes at home. As this came on, my grades slid to B's and C's. </p>

<p>However, as things started improve, I kicked some butt getting back into school the second half of my junior year. I took challenging courses and have been getting straight A's since being sick. I got a 5 on the AP Euro test, took 4 classes over the summer to finish catching up (including two from our local state college, North Dakota State University), and volunteered at our U.S. Representative’s office and at a pharmacy lab doing research on colon cancer. I got a 32 on the ACT, low 700s on the SAT sections, and will take three SAT subject tests in October (I know these scores aren’t as good as some I’ve seen posted here, but they are good for my area and school). I am taking 4 AP's now (senior year) in addition to music and language. I feel I've challenged myself based on what my school has to offer and come out strong. I’m also heavily involved in music activities, both at school and in my community. </p>

<p>Now back to the main goal, colleges. I love both Stanford and Brown, but really like Yale and Princeton too. Stanford and Brown are essentially even, followed closely by a tie between Yale and Princeton. I am just slightly more inclined towards Stanford, but I have a sister at Brown and another sister at Yale (might help admissions). </p>

<p>I am interested in Business, Entrepreneurship, Engineering, and Politics. But really, I have no idea. It’s important to me that the school I go to has a wide variety of opportunities open to me, so that I can experiment until I’m sure of my major. I really want to go to a school where the professors actively engage students, there are many class discussions, and I could go out to coffee and talk over material with a professor. Additionally, I hope to join a fencing and rowing club and play water polo. </p>

<p>I would be so appreciative if any of you guys would give your two cents on this, especially if you’ve attended any of these schools. In deciding where to apply early and have the best chances, I can use all the help I can get.</p>

2

<p>Brown definitely. You cannot beat a college experience in Providence. You will definitely not regret it.</p>

3

<p>If I was given the choice of those four schools, I would go Yale all the way…easily.</p>

<p>Of those four schools, Brown would be the one I would least want to go to.</p>

4

<p>I’m not sure if your stats are even good enough for these schools… but based on what you said, Brown. Stay away from the Stanford and Yale SCEA.</p>

5

<p>Yale, no doubt. The school pride there is unbelievable for an Ivy. GO BULLDOGS!</p>

<p>They also have Pepe’s Pizza. National treasure.</p>

6

<p>Applying to Yale or Stanford EA will not help your chances in admissions. Rumor has it that it can even hurt your chances! So if you’re applying solely to get in somewhere, try the other two choices.</p>

7

<p>Go to the one you get into. It’d be highly unlikely, even for someone with perfect stats, to get into even one. Not really time for you to be going crazy yet… wait till your acceptances.</p>

8

<p>OP wants to know where to apply early, not where to attend lol.</p>

9

<p>As someone who’s not involved with any of the four colleges, I’d say Brown. Its atmosphere suits you, and you have a significant change of getting in with your stats.</p>

10

<p>just some advice: don’t request financial aid, it’ll probably increase your chances</p>

11

<p>I guess someone should point out that Princeton (Harvard and UVA also) does NOT have early action decisions anymore so you CANNOT apply there early. They only have regular April decision times.</p>

<p>As to the others only you can answer which is the best choice for you. Good luck.</p>