Hey everyone.
I am down to deciding between Princeton and Yale and I am not sure what to do. Cost does not matter. I am planning to go to both of the schools’ admitted students days, but I want to have a more concrete idea of each school before I visit.
Please give me your opinions on each. Please give me pro/cons on each school. I am having too much trouble deciding. For example, which school has a better social life? Which is more demanding academically? etc.
Thanks!
You’ve heard it before, but this decision comes down to fit. (My daughter had some good options and chose Princeton.) You live close enough to attend the admitted student days for each. They are different schools and I think you will “know” what to do once you visit both as an admitted student. However, there are some differences, some of which you’ll have to investigate on your own.
Academics: both will provide outstanding opportunities. Try to dig a little deeper in subject areas of interest and talk to students and research professors in those departments (e.g., ratemyprofessor dot com). That can help, especially if you’re pursuing anything in the humanities.
Social life: residential college (Yale); co-ed eating clubs (Princeton). Definitely check out (and ask your question!) on realtalk-princeton dot tumblr dot com for more specific information on the social scene
Administration: how does the admin interact with students? Is it mostly positive and supportive? Officious? Hands-off? Hands-on? This is something current students will be able to answer, but I know my daughter loves the current president.
Student body: do you see yourself connecting with this group of peers for the next 4 years? Do you see yourself wanting to return afterwards for reunions and other alumni events? (Is alumni involvement important to you?) Take a look at campus flyers and “people watch” at the main campus center. At which institution do you have the greatest chance of finding your people?
Extracurriculars: do you plan on joining certain activities? If so, check out their campus presence and investigate whether you have to “try out/audition” to join them. That can be a good or bad thing depending on your point of view.
Campus: suburban or urban? Both campuses are beautiful. Do you prefer city or suburban surroundings?
You have wonderful options before you. Nothing is perfect and there will be bumps ahead as you adjust to college life. Just try to choose based on the best fit for you (not your friends, or internet posters) because YOU are the one who will live at Princeton or Yale for the next four years. Congratulations!
When you visit both, you’ll have your answer most likely. Before your visit, all you have is what’s on paper and other people’s opinions, none of which you should base your decision on.
To lighten the stress of having to choose, let me give you some jokes about Yale and Princeton:
Question: “How many Yale students does it take to screw in a light bulb?”
Answer: “None – New Haven looks better in the dark.”
One of the most popular Yale shirts seen at the Big Game, states, “Harvard sucks.” On the back, it states, “Princeton doesn’t matter.”
However you want to interpret these jokes, it’s all yours. 
Then there’s this one which, in truth, is completely divorced from reality.
Q: How many Princeton students does it take to screw in a lightbulb?
A: Two, one to mix martinis while the other calls the electrician.
@sherpa – LOL, I believe we have the same source for these jokes.