Princeton v. Yale for a laid-back conversationalist who idolizes Tina Fey

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hi all! I've been accepted to Princeton and Yale but I am pretty evenly split between the two. Here are my thoughts:</p>

<p>-I live in the suburbs of Philadelphia, and am somewhat of a homebody, so the proximity of Princeton is pleasing, and the distance to Yale is a little scary, esp given that I am basically on a full ride and can't afford huge amounts of travel expenses if I want to go home more often. The distance is a pretty large factor for me, but it can be overcome if I am truly going to be happier/more fulfilled at Yale. (Which is what I'm trying to determine here! :D)</p>

<p>-I love Directed Studies, but on the other hand I'm not so much of a survey person; I take a while to digest things and I like going in depth. I do really enjoy just hearing other people expound on their thoughts, so that's something I want.</p>

<p>-I'm a writer (I never used to say that, but this year I've been blessed with enough recognition that I can overcome my self doubt and admit that it's something I would love to do for a living in later life) and I love Princeton's writing program (faculty, structure, etc). However, Yale has a nice writing program as well. Hmmm. I can get a certificate in creative writing from Princeton. Jonathan Safran Foer wrote "Everything is Illuminated" for his senior thesis at Princeton;) Not that I am at all comparing myself to the likes of Foer.</p>

<p>-I'm intimidated by the arts scene at Yale. My overnight host gave me to understand that huge percentage of students take part in it, and I wouldn't want to be excluded just because there was such a surplus of talent. I wonder if I might not feel so intimidated at Princeton? On the other hand, I'd have more of a community at Yale? These are impressions that may indeed be false.</p>

<p>-I need a significant amount of "off" time--time when I can relax, be alone, read, stare into space, reflect. I love that I could take a quiet walk through Princeton on an evening. I like walking in cities, but it wouldn't be quite the same? I also get the impression that there is slightly less frenzy (and I use that word in the most neutral way possible--just commotion, excitement, hubbub) at Princeton than at Yale, if only by virtue of its suburban-hood.</p>

<p>-I am extremely goofy and have driven audiences to hysterics with my comedic monologues (wherever I go, I want to join an improv comedy troupe!). I like making a fool of myself. And I don't want to feel perpetually embarrassed. My overnight host at Yale also said that no one ever feels embarrassed at Yale--and I think that's wonderful. Perhaps Princetonians are more somber? Or more judgmental? I am unsure how much I believe the myths of the social competition at Princeton. I would love some reassurance in that respect.</p>

<p>-Grade deflation. I truly don't care how deflated my GPA is, only that there isn't a culture of competition, paranoia, despair, and whining on campus. I am not AT ALL blaming the undergraduates--obviously it has only to do with the administration--all I'm asking is how much the grade deflation policy affects campus life.</p>

<p>I would love anyone to weigh in on any of the issues I talked about above--thank you so much for helping me to figure out where I'll be next fall!</p>

2

<p>Yale. My god you are going to hate The Street at Princeton. This coming from a Cornell alum with no skin in the game.</p>

3

<p>It sounds like you like Princeton. Visit both campuses to get a better feel for them.</p>

<p>Princeton has all of the things you said you wanted; I don’t know about Yale.</p>

<p>And Cayuga, the Street (if the OP wouldn’t like it) is very easily avoidable. It is conveniently located one only one street (hence the name), far removed from everything else. There are plenty of things going on every night that don’t involve the Street.</p>

4

<p>This is why I’m evenly split! I love and hate parts about both. Ergh!</p>

5

<p>Again, for the parts you hate, focus on what you are able to avoid. If there is a ubiquitous vibe at Princeton or Yale that annoys you, then you have a problem. If it is something you can sequester (e.g. the Street), then you will have a much easier time.</p>

6

<p>Thanks Baelor, I appreciate that! I guess what I’ve always been trying to discern is whether the Street is a marker for a general campus culture, or is avoidable (as you say). I am annoyed by my own skepticism, but I have a hard time believing that the Street isn’t something integral to and defining of the Princeton community. Can you comment? (By the way, all through this process you’ve been so kind about replying to my questions about Princeton, and I’m really thankful for that!)</p>

7

<p>Most upperclassmen join eating clubs. This can take one of two main paths:</p>

<p>I have two social spheres based on ECs. One involves the sort of person who goes out almost every weekend, really likes the Street, etc. The second involves members of eating clubs who simply eat at the eating clubs (the food is undeniably superior to dining hall food), go to the occasional special evening, and just socialize during the day because they don’t party. This is not counting my friends who are independent, are in co-ops, etc.</p>

<p>It is absolutely avoidable. Anyone who claims that it is not and has a problem with that is simply not looking for opportunities at all, or needs new friends. It’s as simply as walking 10 ft. to a lounge and watching a movie. Or going to a free movie at the Garden Theater. Or going to a dance performance, play, concert, etc. There are plenty of things to do.</p>

<p>That’s why the Street is actually almost nice even if you don’t like it. Although people pregame in the dorms, most of the partying after 11 or so is confined to the Street, which makes it geographically isolated and thus not a hindrance to other people.</p>

8

<p>Baelor, I think I’m going to Princeton next year! I just read a couple of posts by Ptongrad, and then the article in the Daily Princetonian by the Princeton history professor who was visiting Yale and called it Princeton on steroids…I’m going to Princeton, and I’m pretty darn excited! I hope to see you there next year!</p>

9

<p>you are not going to fit in at Princeton, Yale is definitely better at the arts</p>

10

<p>Princeton’s writing program is amazing. Yale may be better-known in the arts, but Princeton does not sacrifice much, if any, quality for the advantage of having a less cutthroat arts scene.</p>

<p>There are performances pretty much every single week, if not every couple days.</p>

11

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<p>Princeton? Why not UVa? That’s where Tina Fey went to college.</p>