<p>I realize that there have been posts over this, and I have definitely read over everything I could find, but I would like a fresh opinion on the advantages of each university. People with first hand experience with either would be GREAT, but any opinion would be very helpful and appreciated. It's given that most everyone here is biased toward Stanford, but unbiased reasons for that bias would very helpful. I'm not sure if that made sense...</p>
<p>Oh, and I plan on studying Computer Science (specifically, theoretical CS)</p>
<p>I'll give a pro for both
Stanford-better weather
MIT- Division 3 sports, meaning you don't have to be good to play!</p>
<p>Honestly, just visit both and see which you like better. Try to do an overnight. Obviously Stanford is going to be more diverse than MIT since it's not math/science oriented, so if you want to be around people who are majoring in a lot of different things, it's probably better.
But seriously, just visit and decide which you inherently like better. Your happiness is important. And of course, see which you get into =D.</p>
<p>I've been accepted to both, but now the hard part is the decision. I'm not sure how I feel about weather since I'm from Texas. The Northeast cold kind of scares me, but when it comes down it it, it won't be a factor in my decision.</p>
<p>Stanford grants early notification of admissions for different purposes, but that's not the point. I'm curious if anyone has any insight into the two schools.</p>
<p>I didn't attend either one. But I do know in terms of computer science, Stanford is THE KING. </p>
<p>1) 18 ties to Turing awards from Stanford, far more than MIT.
2) YAHOO, GOOGLE, SUN, CYSCO, HP, and MATHWORKS were created by STANFORD people.
3) Lots of legendary figures in information technology are from Stanford.</p>
<p>Stanford has an amazing CS department. I'm not sure how theoretically oriented it is, though. You should contact someone in the CS department and ask about possibilities for studying theoretical CS.</p>
<p>What is the text of the Stanford early notification? I'm wondering how this interacts with the latest version of NACAC guidelines. Congratulations to all of you who have to decide among more than one great college.</p>
<p>Please let's not devolve this into a debate about which college had more companies ... let's focus on the undergrad education.</p>
<p>MIT and Stanford are both very different in terms of atmosphere.
MIT has more of that nerdy geek-cool atmosphere, while Stanford is more laid back and chill.
MIT kind of forces you to take a very rigorous math/science course load ... fine if you are into physics chem etc.
Stanford is a bit more chill in letting students decide what they want to take in terms of General ed.</p>
<p>In terms of CS both are equal, you will get a great education no matter where you go...
NO ONE is going to go "Oh you went to MIT? Sorry not good enough" or "Stanford?? Sorry we only hire people from real universities"</p>
<p>1) You'll get a great education at either university.</p>
<p>2) The social life and atmostphere are very different. In particular, Boston has two world-class universities, and several other very good ones -- that makes for a very neat collegiate atmosphere. On the other hand, Stanford has a much stronger campus-centered social life.</p>
<p>3) For students interested in CS and technology, no other area (including Boston) approaches Silicon Valley in terms of raw opportunities, including for students -- and the gap is continuing to widen. Living in that environment is different from studying somewhere else and doing a "summer internship" there.</p>
<p>Thanks for all your replies. Everything helps. I still have a lot of time to make a decision so I'm not going to worry about it right now, but I'll keep all of your comments in the back of my mind as my subconscious goes over it the next couple of months.</p>