Hello all! I just got into Princeton yesterday and I’m incredibly shocked. Out of all the schools I applied to, I never expected to get into Princeton, which is why I’m somewhat at a loss as to which school I should pick now. I applied REA to Stanford and was deferred --> accepted. I like Stanford because of it’s proximity and familiarity, though that’s also something that I also consider a con in some ways–it would be nice to get out of California for a while.
I applied for Art/Gender and Sexuality at Princeton and Art/Global Cultural Studies at Stanford. I’m a decently laid back CA kid so I’m not sure how well I’d fit in at Pton (plus weather issues possibly). Do any of you have any advice for me as to which school I should pick? I’m currently very conflicted.
My two California children were both accepted to Princeton and Stanford. Both went to Princeton. Both loved it, and had very different experiences (straight daughter at Tiger Inn, majored in Psych with Neuroscience certificate, gay son at Terrace, majored in Comp Lit with Creative Writing certificate). The most important differences are a) Princeton is way smaller and more intimate and undergraduate b) Stanford is more highly focused on Silicon Valley. Both are, obviously, fantastic universities. Do you want to try the East Coast? Do it. Otherwise? Don’t;).
Really different but equally amazing school. I feel Stanford is more vibrant, dynamic, diverse ( also the location helps in that), while Princeton has more of an old-school, ivory tower, traditional feel to it. Princeton is really waspy and attracts a big part of the kind of stuck up Northeast prep-school crowd a bit more than Stanford but nowadays many east coast kids choose to attend Stanford over some east coast Ivy so not sure if there is actually any huge difference in atmosphere. They are both excellent choices and I think it just comes down to fit so try to visit. It’s if possible and talk to alumni etc.
I’m an undergrad at Princeton, and I love it here. I disagree with Penn95 in that Princeton is definitely a dynamic/diverse campus. However, I will concede that Princeton can definitely be a bit wasp-y and very preppy. It is significantly smaller than Stanford, and in my opinion campus feels much more cozy/welcoming than Stanford’s. I’m also from California, so I was also a bit nervous about the weather, but it turns out that I’ve adapted quite well!
Due to Princeton’s smaller size, there is a really tight network of alumni that will help you in your career for the rest of your life.
In the end, they’re both great schools, so it just comes down to which campus/atmosphere you like better. Definitely try to visit both campuses if possible!