advice or guidance please!
Congrats on the acceptances. The two schools have very different vibes. I’d go with your personal preference. There is absolutely no right or wrong answer here.
If you haven’t visited the schools and won’t be able to I’d do some research…
– Go through the college’s websites carefully. Look up professors/courses in your area of interest.
–Consider if you prefer one location over the other (urban v suburban)
–Look at school newspapers online to try and get a better sense of campus life.
–See if you can get a good college guide book (Fiske, Princeton Review and read up on the schools).
–Find out if the schools have any online things going on for accepted students, , join facebook groups of accepted students etc.
If there is a financial difference between the two schools that is meaningful to your family that should be a consideration as well.
Thank you for replying! I think here are a few concerns I have for each school:
I’m afraid MIT will be too STEM-oriented although I have eclectic interests in humanities AND STEM. I listed math and philosophy as my intended majors, but I am definitely not sure of what I want to study or do as a career.
I’m afraid that Princeton will be too white, elitist, and exclusive for me (Asian female) to fit in socially. I may be wrong about these stereotypes and PLEASE correct me if I am, but that was the image I associated with Princeton. The eating club culture seems quite intimidating and the school itself seems pretty cutthroat compared to MIT where everyone is supportive and friendly.
I guess I am torn between the two schools for having polar opposite appeals.
I’d go to Princeton for math and philosophy over MIT, especially if you have other interests in humanities.
You definitely cannot go wrong with either, but in math especially Princeton will be better for a female I think (more supportive culture, less competition-focused). Congrats!