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.
Stanford’s focus on undergraduates is many times more intense than you can possibly take advantage of.
You could drown there, in theory.
There is a lot to be said for “happier students” if you are one of them.
Assuming that your pros / cons list is all inclusive (no issues with cost or distance, for example) and reading between the lines of your lists I’d say Stanford for you.
Another con you might want to consider for Princeton is grade deflation. Even though it’s not officially there anymore, supposedly the STEM departments are still pretty tough in that respect. So you may end up with a higher GPA at Stanford, which could be helpful for grad school.
Since your choices are so close in terms of your preferences, though, you might want to decide by flipping a coin. See how you feel about whichever choice comes up—if you’re happy, go with that one; if not, go with the other.
Also, I’ve been surprised to see on various admitted students/college decisions sites that quite a few people have committed to more than one school, usually first committing to one, then changing their mind and withdrawing it, then committing to another—but sometimes committing to two or more at the same time (which is against the rules, at least as I understand them), presumably as a way to buy more time.
I know both math departments well. Princeton has lost some of its shining in the standing of its math dept – The departure of Andrew Wiles is irreplaceable. And it hasn’t made a move to hire, say Richard Taylor or Fred Diamond (Wiles’ outstanding former PhD students).
Also the number of math major students is very small.
Related, Stanford has a big lead in stats research; Pton has a bit more in financial engineering, and its ORFE is well regarded, if these areas matter to you.
IMO, either place will offer great experiences, but in very different ways. And if you aren’t sure of exactly what you want to do in the future, then having flexibility to explore, including having interdisciplinary possibilities, will be important. Stanford will be more accommodating in that regard.
Best luck!