<p>Here’s another bonus for Stanford. It isn’t full of students who wish they got into HYPM. :-)</p>
<p>Well…maybe H ;)</p>
<p>^ in 2010 something like 400 students were cross-admitted with Harvard and around 40% chose Stanford ;)</p>
<p>Stanford or Penn. I’d say Penn, but I’m a bit biased 
Both Penn and Stanford have awesome school spirit and all the students are really happy to be there! Both of the campuses are gorgeous, although the weather at Stanford might be a little warmer than at Penn ;)</p>
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Pffft! Berkeley is more unique. It’s easier to have top faculty and students when you’re rich and exclusive than to have same faculty caliber and be public.</p>
<p>Only someone educated at Cal would say things like “more unique.” 
I kid, I kid…</p>
<p>As I predicted, Stanford’s aid surpassed the other schools. Looks like I’ll be in Palo Alto next year :)</p>
<p>Thanks everyone for your input. I am really excited!</p>
<p>Do finances make a difference for you?</p>
<p>Go Cardinal! Best of luck to you there Purpender.</p>
<p>
Keep in mind that most–if not all–of these schools would probably match the aid packages of the others, at least to the extent they are need-based, so fin aid needn’t–and shouldn’t–be a deciding factor.</p>
<p>If, on the other hand, you’re choosing Stanford because it’s the best fit for you, then congratulations, and have a terrific 4 years!</p>
<p>OK - Cal grad here to defend herself. </p>
<p>I totally agree that between Cal and Stanford, there is no doubt in MY mind which is the better school all around. Cal has higher academic standards (hence the reason Stanford usually wins the Big Game;) ; more beautiful campus (what’s with the taco bell architecture?) more activist student body (when was the last time a Stanford protest made news?) and is located in a much more interesting area (Palo Alto: a pretty suburb. 'Nuff said.) </p>
<p>That said, OP wasn’t comparing Stanford and Cal, which is why my west coast pride and real belief that CA is where it’s at (New Hampshire? really?) prompted me to suggest That Other Inferior Bay Area University. </p>
<p>And for those who can’t discern HUMOR, this post was written firmly tongue in cheek, so don’t flame me Cardinal fans. </p>
<p>Go Bears.
Go Bears.
Go Bears.</p>
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<p>For some reason I have a hard time seeing these schools come up with meed based aid that is anywhere near Stanford’s. Stanford gave me 14k more than the other schools in GRANT (no loan involved). Will they really match it when it’s such a large discrepancy?</p>
<p>Additionally (fyi), I was leaning towards Stanford ever since I found out about my acceptance. I just needed to weigh my options out a bit.</p>
<p>Stanford is the obvious choice, yes.</p>