<p>I want to study pure mathematics. I have posted about this elsewhere already, but I got somewhat biased responses b/c naturally Princeton or MIT boards would yield somewhat biased answers. So if you have already seen this thread, I apologize.</p>
<p>Although I am leaning towards Cambridge, there is a high probability that I will not meet my STEP requirement.</p>
<p>I am wondering between the two's math department. The math department at MIT is definitely bigger and seems to be very friendly, but what about Princeton.</p>
<p>Between the two, the financial aid is better for Princeton, but I am more curious about the math culture at these schools. How are the research opportunities? I know there are lots at MIT, but what about Princeton?</p>
<p>The general education requirements is another factor. Both require a few humanities courses, I believe Princeton requires a few more, but I am leaning towards Princeton because it would seem that the humanities courses would be "better" at Princeton.</p>
<p>Lastly, I know one cannot double major at Princeton, while one can at MIT...</p>
<p>It looks like you’ve already made your decision, so why are you asking ?</p>
<p>Anyway, I’m not a mathematician, but I tend to favor Princeton over MIT for pure mathematics.</p>
<p>It would truly be splitting hairs to say one is superior to the other in the Math Dept. Therefore, your decision needs to rest on all the usual decision criteria… location, weather, campus feel – in short, which campus/city do you connect with more? Then, determine if your choice makes financial sense.</p>
<p>It seems like the professor to student ratio would be higher at Princeton b/c there are about 35 or so math majors a year.</p>
<p>In terms of prestige, would Princeton or MIT be considered more prestigious?</p>
<p>Bump. This forum moves really quickly.</p>
<p>OP, MIT and Princeton are similarly prestigious in general, and in the math particular.</p>
<p>Which one would you think would be less focused?</p>
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<p>Oh dear ;)</p>
<p>You cannot go wrong here. I can’t advise on math issues. I think Princeton is close to heaven although I am not a Princeton alum (my father went to MIT) but I’ve spent a lot of time on both campuses. I never thought MIT was close to heaven but maybe that’s because I’m not really a techie.</p>
<p>Bump one more day.</p>
<p>They;re both meccas for very bright people, but MIT is perhaps the ultimate mecca for “quants”. At Princeton, you’d be exposed to people with a wider variety of interests, but fewer of those who share your principal interests.</p>
<p>There’s no wrong answer here, so go with whichever one you prefer.</p>
<p>How to decide;</p>
<p>Close your eyes</p>
<p>Relax</p>
<p>Pretrend that you are sitting in one of the study cubicles of the underground library at Fine Hall.</p>
<p>An elderly gentleman comes along and begins to talk to you</p>
<p>It is John Nash…</p>
<p>Listen to what he has to say…</p>