Princeton or MIT, I need help QUICK

College Search & Selection
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<p>I've been driving all of my friends (and frankly myself) crazy with my indecisiveness. The question is: Princeton or MIT?</p>

<p>I'm a nerdy. I like xkcd and I laugh at math jokes. I've never been very hands on/building things, but I want to learn how. I'm not antisocial, but I prefer small groups of friends. I dislike partying and obscene amounts of drinking. </p>

<p>I tentatively want to major in engineering, though I think I would go crazy with JUST taking science/math/engineering classes. Actually, the ideal college experience for me would be to just take random classes in random areas, with no regard to getting a degree or anything official. I also enjoy reading and informal writing on my blog. Aside from academics, I like music, Ultimate Frisbee, and distance running. </p>

<p>I like Boston better than Princeton, and since I live in a suburban town of NJ (1 hour away from Princeton), I kind of want to get away from it. I'm also concerned that at Princeton there wouldn't be much to do aside from partying since Princeton's in the suburbs. </p>

<p>Some concerns about MIT is that it might be too academically intense for me. As someone who's verrry undecided about what I want to do, I need time to think and explore, and I don't know if MIT is conducive to that. As I said above, though I like science and engineering, I'm not crazy about it, and I would like to study other areas as well. </p>

<p>I like diversity, but that is moot if a college is racially self segregated.</p>

<p>I got a good deal more money from Princeton than MIT, though money isn't a huge concern for my family. </p>

<p>This is a rather random collection of facts, but if anyone can help me with my decision, I would be forever indebted!</p>

2

<p>Bump. bump</p>

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<p>I'd say go with Princeton just based on the fact that you said you would like to study other areas besides for science and engineering, and while MIT does let you take courses in other subjects, I think Princeton would be the best place to go if you still want to really explore because, if you don't end up liking science or engineering enough to major and continue your life in, MIT may not be a great place to be in terms of having a large number of options. I could be wrong, but from what you have written I think Princeton would be the better option for you. In any case, good luck deciding and I hope you the best.</p>

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<p>For me, it's important to explore lots of different subjects. If you go to MIT, you're pretty much stuck with a science major and you get a good background in a lot of subjects, which might make you regret going to MIT. Personally, I'd prefer Princeton, and I'm sure that you can do more things than just drink at Princeton. Don't go to MIT because you think that all people do at Princeton is drink- in fact, MIT kids like to drink as well. You can play Frisbee, run, and listen to music at Princeton too. </p>

<p>However, if you feel more comfortable at MIT for some reason, I'd suggest that you go there. If you're still uneasy about the social atmosphere, even after I told you that not everyone drinks, then go to MIT.</p>

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<p>
[quote]
I need time to think and explore, and I don't know if MIT is conducive to that. As I said above, though I like science and engineering, I'm not crazy about it, and I would like to study other areas as well.

[/quote]

MIT can definitely be conducive to exploration, if that's what you'd like it to be.</p>

<p>Several of the departments have flexible options (mechanical engineering, materials science and engineering, physics, and biology, off the top of my head), which allow you to have tons of free elective space while still completing a degree in the subject. You could take those elective units in any department at MIT, or take classes up the street at Harvard if that floats your boat.</p>

<p>If you find that you're very interested in a humanities subject as well as a science/engineering subject, you can design your own major (details here</a>) in Humanities and Science or Humanities and Engineering.</p>

<p>MIT is, above all, a very flexible place where people are given a lot of autonomy to choose their own paths. If you want to explore lots of subjects at MIT, there are no barriers in your way.</p>