I’ve narrowed down my choices to these two schools, which is good because I have less than 24 hours to decide where to attend.
I’m primarily interested in pure mathematics, but I also like theoretical economics and computer science. Financial aid is almost identical between the two schools. I attended both schools’ admit weekends, and here’s what I’ve concluded so far:
Princeton:
Pros:
- Top ranked mathematics and economics departments
- Heavy emphasis on theory
- Undergraduate focus
- Smaller campus and population
Cons:
- Extensive distribution requirements (especially 3 semesters of a foreign language)
- Inability to double major/minor in economics or computer science (though certificates slightly help with this)
- Downward trend in Putnam performance (is this just random or a sign of something bigger?)
- Marginally inferior computer science department
- In the words of a Stanford student: "most hate it, some like it, but nobody loves it"
Stanford:
Pros:
- Top ranked computer science department
- Flexibility with majors/minors
- Slightly easier distribution requirements
- Happier students
Cons:
- Greater emphasis on applications
- Grater focus on graduate students
- Larger campus and population
- Marginally inferior mathematics department
I know I’m heartily nitpicking with most of these, but there are few non-nitpicking ways of distinguishing them. I don’t really have a preference with things like the weather or location that people will often cite for why they chose one school over the other. If you could quell or corroborate any of my concerns, that would be greatly appreciated.
First of all, congratulations on your admission to two fantastic schools!
One of my son’s room mates is a mathematics major at Princeton and another is a computer science (BSE major). Both had the opportunity to choose other top schools in each of these fields and chose Princeton. If your primary interest is pure mathematics, you really won’t find many better choices out there than Princeton.
The double major restriction has to do with the need to do a senior thesis in the area of concentration (major). If you are considering grad school, the work of a thesis in senior year is great preparation. There is also the ability to do a self directed course in junior year (my son is currently finishing his - he is also a BSE) so if you have a personal area of interest that you’d like to explore with the support of profs and grad students, this is a great option.
Needing 3 semesters of a foreign language pertains only to AB students, not BSE. However it’s possible to place out of this requirement - this quote is taken from one of the language programs on Princeton’s website:
"An Advanced Placement score of 5 or an SAT II subject test score of 760 is required to satisfy the A.B. foreign language requirement at entrance, or for admission to a 200-level course. A score of 7 on the higher-level IB test or a grade of A on the British A-level exam also fulfills the requirement. "
So if you are already proficient you can replace those courses with something else more appealing. I don’t see extensive distribution requirements as a downside. Having a balanced education and ability to communicate in another language is a plus! My son actually opted to take 3 semesters of foreign language even though it wasn’t required because it allowed him to develop his mastery of the language to a higher level. The summer after freshman year he studied abroad and improved his oral communication significantly. While we know this is great on a resume, he also enjoys travelling so one way or another it has long term benefits.
Good luck with your choice…both are incredible schools and you have an enviable decision to make.
“most hate it, some like it, but nobody loves it” - Well, the Princeton alumni giving rate is 62.5%, while the Stanford alumni giving rate is 35.6%. In my experience, students who don’t particularly enjoy a school are unlikely to turn into passionate giving alumni, which is what Princeton alumni are generally acknowledged to be.
As an alumna of Princeton and the parent of two Princeton students (one of whom is currently attending the school), most of the Princeton students and alumni I know absolutely love Princeton. The school has amazing caring professors, a truly thoughtful administration, a beautiful campus, and a fun active social life, and alumni return frequently and are incredibly loyal.
You have two wonderful choices and I wish you luck in your decision, but please believe that the vast majority of Princeton students and alumni have loved their time at Princeton and would choose it again in a heartbeat.
since you didn’t get into Harvard chose Stanford.
I know by now you have chosen but seriously, a Stanford student told you nobody loves Princeton?!?!?! Of all the Ivies, I think Yale and Princeton are the best loved by their alumni - maybe we can throw Dartmouth into the mix. I don’t know that Stanford undergrads “love” their school.
go to princeton since they’ll be doing well at putnam soon
Why does one major in mathematics ?
@samuelmusa check out this link http://www.maa.org/careers
And also some people just love math!
If you’ve got it narrowed down this closely, I’d be looking at the individual professors in the departments and their respective research interests to help make the decision.