<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! )</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. How is creative writing at Yale?</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. Can I find quiet time (alone or with friends) at Yale? On a regular basis?</p>
<p>-I am extremely goofy and take great pride in driving 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.</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>
<p>(Reposting this from the College Search and Selection board--thank you for all your help!)</p>