<p>someone on this board make a really valid point. Some of my best friends historically have been focused in humanities. I did GHP (a mini-college experience summer program) this summer, and of my six or eight closest friends there, one was in math, and one was in science. I'd been all set, 110% for Caltech, but now I'm wondering...will not having (nearly as many of) those people at Caltech make it an inferior experience to Stanford?
Also for me to consider/research, I plan to major in physics or chemistry (or astrophysics, but Stanford doesn't offer that). How strong is Stanford in those as compared to Caltech?</p>
<p>I personally am very appreciative of the diversity here; I love living with people with very different backgrounds, experiences, and interests. Even though, say, all math majors are "unique", they may still share several common traits, views, and interests. It's hard for me to put in to words, but I want to emphasize that the diversity makes Stanford a really vibrant, cool place to be.</p>
<p>Stanford is very, very strong in chemistry and physics. According to US News and World Report rankings for graduate programs, MIT and Stanford are tied for #1 in physics, followed by Caltech as #2. Stanford, MIT, Caltech, and Cal are all tied for #1 in chemistry. </p>
<p>The two schools offer very different environments, so I suggest you think about which environment is a better match for you. I highly recommend visiting the two schools if at all possible.</p>
<p>Definitely visiting both. Do you have the rankings for undergrad that you could share? I'm a HS junior.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, I'm not aware of any undergraduate program rankings.</p>
<p>Search the forums for "gourman [discipline]" and you should find an undergrad ranking for that subject.</p>
<p>Really if you like having academically diverse friends then nowhere beats Stanford. I mean where else would someone like me (Chemical Engineering major hard core techie) have a really good friend majoring in...philosophy?? Then again Caltech is a unique and interesting place for those who like that atmosphere. Academically both are the creme de la creme in Science so I wouldn't really pay too much attention to whatever the rankings say.</p>
<p>DMRenrel ....that is very interesting.....I realized reading your question
that I had done the opposite for the same reasons....i.e. gravitated away
from Stanford to Caltech since there are more off-the-beaten track
opportuntiies (IMO) @Caltech over Stanford....</p>
<p>....and wont you find Physics majors to be uber-philosophers? ......:)</p>
<p>...unless you are a graduate student in which case I am not sure how
I would choose....</p>
<p>but in any case your question made me think...thanks :)</p>
<p>Sorry if I was unclear. I wasn't saying Stanford is better due to the rankings, but rather that it is as good. I think Stanford and Caltech would both offer you a very solid foundation in either Chemistry or Physics.</p>
<p>Who was it on this board that "made a really valid point" and made you change your mind, DMRenel? I'm curious, because I've made the point you've talked about numerous times on these boards, and I would be extremely flattered if it was actually me.</p>
<p>It was you. What you said made me remember some stuff which got me thinking, more than any direct causality, but yeah, points for you if you want em. I'm still leaning strongly toward Caltech, but I'll visit both. Any suggestions on what to do when I visit or when to visit?</p>