<p>I am fortunate enough to have been accepted at both of these phenomenal universities. I want to study Computer Science but I would also like to take a few courses in Psychology, Economics and maybe Business etc.</p>
<p>I aspire to be an entrepreneur or venture-capitalist in the tech space someday, and would like to do an MBA after getting a few years of work experience following my undergrad.</p>
<p>I did not apply for aid at either of the universities, so that isn't a factor I need to consider. I visited both campuses in November and I liked Stanford's campus, weather and student energy more but I also loved MIT, especially the Media Lab. </p>
<p>I want a well-rounded experience, which Stanford is famous for, but MIT seems to have a slightly greater pedigree than Stanford. Another thing I am not sure of is the academic stress at MIT. I have heard that Stanford is a more fun place to be, while MIT can be extremely stressful. So how would you compare the social life at the two schools?</p>
<p>What would you advise me to do? I am an international applicant from India, if that helps. Thank you :)</p>
<p>I would say go for Stanford! Since u r also interested in business and economics, and also in working with VCs and different businesses, I think Stanford with its proximity and relationship to Silicon Valley would be the better choice. Stanford also has a great econ department from what I have heard and the school also promotes and supports start ups. Besides, the weather is awesome and the campus is really nice. :)</p>
<p>Stanford is a more well rounded university but MIT is very strong in all your areas of interest. The weather is better in Palo Alto, and Stanford’s campus is prettier but the facilities are amazing at both. Boston and San Francisco are my two favorite US cities. MIT is right in the city, just across the Charles. Stanford is a bit of a hike to the city.</p>
<p>Are you planning to return to India after graduation? If so, MIT probably will carry more weight. Here in the US, they are pretty equal.</p>
<p>Also, MIT is a more stressful environment but most MIT students thrive on that. If you are going to be a venture capitalist (which requires that you be a high risk taker), you better get used to stress.</p>
<p>“I aspire to be an entrepreneur or venture-capitalist in the tech space someday, and would like to do an MBA after getting a few years of work experience following my undergrad.”</p>
<p>That signals everything. Just follow your heart, go for Stanford.</p>
<p>Social life at both these schools tend to be what you make of it. People rave a lot about Stanford’s social life but I haven’t heard anything particularly noteworthy about it. MIT has a larger Greek scene which you might be interested in and Boston is more easily accessible and plays a greater role in the lives of its students than San Francisco does for Stanford students.</p>
<p>Ultimately you can’t go wrong, decide with your heart.</p>
<p>Although Stanford has a great econ department, MIT’s is generally considered to be a little bit better. The Academic Ranking of World Universities puts MIT 3rd [behind Harvard and Chicago] and Stanford 6th.</p>
Since u r also interested in business and economics, and also in working with VCs and different businesses, I think Stanford with its proximity and relationship to Silicon Valley would be the better choice. Stanford also has a great econ department from what I have heard and the school also promotes and supports start ups. Besides, the weather is awesome and the campus is really nice. :)</p>