<p>This is my first post and I am still shocked to be in the position to be able to choose between my two dream schools. I want to major in physics/ astrophysics with plans to pursue a doctorate eventually. </p>
<p>I realize these two schools have major differences in campus culture and feel, but both seem to offer amazing opportunities and I feel unbelievably lucky to have this choice. At the same time, I am having a really difficult time with this decision.</p>
<p>I think that personality-wise I fit more with the campus culture at MIT (I love nerdy humor/hacks, etc., I'm not a big party person and I tend to have several really good friends instead of hanging with big groups of people), However, in addition to science there are many humanities courses I am attracted to sampling as an undergraduate (philosophy, economics, history, to name a few) and Princeton seems strong in many departments, not just the sciences. Both places seem to offer great physics(MIT) or astrophysics (Princeton) departments that would allow me to start doing undergraduate research early on. (UROP at MIT and Summer URP at Princeton).</p>
<p>Any opinions on which might be a better choice?? I really appreciate the help!</p>
<p>Nerdy hacks lover = MIT
Not a big party person = MIT (which still has parties, though the party scene is, IMO, not as prevalent as at Princeton)
Better name recognition in physics = MIT
Incredible opportunities and prestige = both</p>
<p>You sound like you’d be a better fit at MIT… and plus, to get your humanities fix, you can cross-register at Hahvahd.</p>
<p>Although I agree I would fit right in at MIT, I have a few concerns.</p>
<p>I am not a huge city(in general) fan although Boston seems awesome. I have grown up in a suburban environment so the Princeton campus feels more like “home”. </p>
<p>How realistic is taking Humanities courses at Harvard? I have heard of a lot of scheduling difficulties because many are offered during the same core block as most classes at MIT.</p>
<p>Two astrophysics professors I know (neither from MIT or Princeton) have told me they give a slight edge to Princeton because Astro is its own department there. At MIT Astro is spread across several departments and less centralized (harder to get paperwork, advice, reccs for grad school?) They also think the senior thesis required at Princeton is excellent prep for grad school.</p>
<p>I have also produced some student films and want to continue. Princeton has the film certificate program ( not sure if this is doable with astro/physics as a major, but I hope so!) and Harvard has an awesome film program (but see concerns about cross-registration above)</p>
<p>I plan to go to both admitted student campus weekends, as well as try to spend a day or two on each campus during a normal weekday to help make my decision. Any other suggestions on ways to make the choice? Thanks again for the help!</p>
<p>MIT actually has amazing humanities classes. Not as much breadth as Harvard obviously but the quality is top notch. My D is a double major BCS and Creative Writing. The classes ae small and they have several Pulitzer prize winners as professors. The philosophy, linguistics, economics and political science departments are among the very best in the country. The English lit. department is also excellent. </p>
<p>If you want to cross-register at Harvard, it has now become much easier as Harvard is changing its class calendar so that it coincides with the MIT calendar. My D plans to take an art history class at Harvard next semester.</p>
<p>Well I guess I have a different take on this than most of the other posters. I think that both campuses would offer you strong physics/astrophysics programs. I believe that Princeton humanities are unsurpassed and that you would be thrilled with the offerings and professors in subject matters from film to english. I believe that you would be comfortable and find friends at both schools and I think that Princeton has plenty of students who enjoy nerdy humor and prefer hanging out with small groups of friends to attending large parties. However, my personal view is that college should be a place where you should grow as much as possible both academically and socially and I think that at Princeton, you would make fast friends but also meet people and have experiences that are more diverse and possibly outside of your current comfort zone and that might be a good thing.</p>
<p>I think that you are doing the right thing by making extended visits. Both schools are wonderful, you can’t make a bad choice and ultimately you will probably just feel happier or more energized at one school and that’s the one you should pick.</p>
<p>To: cellardweller: I did not know about the schedule change at Harvard for next year. Thanks for bringing that to my attention! Sounds like your D is really enjoying her time at MIT.</p>
<p>To: midatlmom: Thank you for your thoughtful post. That desire to challenge myself to move beyond my natural comfort level is exactly what makes the decision so difficult. I know MIT would challenge me in plenty of ways as well but differently. I guess it really will come down to my gut level reactions after spending more time on each campus.</p>
<p>I really appreciate everyone’s feedback. Good luck to everyone else facing tough decisions in the next few weeks.</p>
<p>You sound like a terrific person and as a Princeton alumna, I selfishly hope you choose Princeton. However, either school will be lucky to have you and I wish you good luck with your decision.</p>
<p>For you, Princeton cannot be the wrong choice, in my opinion. And don’t worry about the “nerd” factor at Princeton. I think Princeton has its own share. lol.</p>
Keep in mind that while a senior thesis is useful for grad school, being published as an undergraduate in a peer-reviewed journal is much, much more useful. You can certainly be published at MIT (about 20% of undergrads get published), and I’m sure you can also have that opportunity at Princeton.</p>
<p>A senior thesis requirement is a nice thing, but what’s more important (both for grad school admissions and for your development as a scientist) is that you have access to significant, cutting-edge research.</p>
<p>My brother goes to MIT and loves, loves, loves it. He has taken a few classes at Harvard and hasn’t found it too difficult. Also, MIT seems like the perfect place for you socially.</p>
<p>However I personally love Princeton… possibly only because they have the most gorgeous campus EVER! But I’ve heard that Princeton has a few downsides. Eating Clubs are minuses for some (though not all) as a social thing. Also, study abroad isn’t very prominent (not sure about MIT). </p>
<p>Also… New Jersey vs Boston? That one is easy. I mean… New Jersey! Though Princeton is very nice, and if you HAVE to live in NJ it is definitely the place.</p>
<p>Anyway. You can’t go wrong with either, and I think you’d be happy at both. Congrats on the acceptances and good luck!</p>