Hi, I got into both and I am very stuck between them. I want to study math and pre-med, but have other interests also (mostly STEM/languages/philosophy). I am definitely a nerd, but quite social also. I don’t consider myself a genius, but I’ve never been with other people who challenge me or a situation where I’m getting more help than I’m giving, so I don’t really know (I’m ranked 1 in my class and have a 1590 SAT, but I tend to test better than I actually understand material). I like challenge a lot, but I have a number of extracurriculars so having time for that is important. I don’t care at all about the difference in prestige between the schools.
MIT: My main concern is the workload/stress. I have had some struggles with anxiety in the past, so I would want to avoid that or know that I could get help if this did occur. I also am worried as a math major that the Olympiad Presence might be a bit much in that department, since I’ve only taken through Multivariable Calculus. I know that I fit in really well with the people and I love everything else about it.
Brown: My main concern is that I won’t fit in with a large number of people, and that classes may be too easy/I won’t be challenged by my classmates. I am passionate but not super activisty, and I would describe myself as extremely driven (but not competitive), so I like to be around people who are also pushing themselves really hard. I also don’t know what research opportunities are like, and how strong the pure math department is.
Please let me know your thoughts! Thanks so much.