<p>Those claims aren't at all exaggerated. I've detailed why in those posts and others. I think part of the problem is that you may be misreading what I wrote. There is a difference, for example, in expressing an opinion that XYZ has the "best combination of undergraduate program/recruiting" and simply saying that "XYZ has has the best recruiting". </p>
<p>In any case, with your personal attacks, you are going way off topic. The topic was computational biology. </p>
<p>NRC was published in 1995, but the data were gathered in 1993. I agree with you that their are flaws in any ranking, the fact that yours are 15 years out-of-date being just one of them. That's why I've continuously pointed out here that the best way to make a decision is to visit extensively, tour labs, take several classes, stay over for a couple days and talk with dozens of students and faculty members -- unless you know how to evaluate dozens of different variables from hundreds of different sources and take the time to look at the actual data and what it means, not just the ranking.</p>
<p>I'm a current Princeton student, and I don't drink. I know plenty of people who do not drink and we're all doing great. For people who do not like partying at all, there's a huge push for activities that don't involve alcohol including a free climbing wall, funding for activities that happen on party nights, movie options, just hanging out with friends. Also, you're perfectly able to go to the Street and not drink. There's no pressure involved. I have friends who went through the bicker process completely dry. When I go out, I have no trouble at all because there are clubs that serve mocktails, delicious nonalcoholic mixed-drinks. Best of all, there's respect all around regardless of what decision you make concerning drinking. </p>
<p>Sub-free housing is great.</p>
<p>Now, as for Princeton or Yale. Definitely do overnight visits to both and go with your gut feeling. You'll do fine at either one.</p>
<p>Okay, posterX, as usual, this is somewhat pointless. I think your own words (and your own opinion of your own words as shown above) speak for themselves. I would think, however, that you would see how this type of behavior must be embarrassing to Yale and to all those who love Yale. Ill leave it at that for now. </p>
<p>Debryc, its great to hear from current students who can share their experiences (good or bad). Thank you.</p>
<p>On drinking, I also must say that not drinking is a perfectly acceptable choice at Princeton. In fact, on the matter of the Street, I happen to be a member of an eating club where a large minority (maybe even the majority) doesn't drink. And of course off the Street, there are many social hubs including the increasingly important four-year residential colleges.</p>
<p>So not drinking is definitely not a problem.</p>
<p>For all the computational biology debate, I am definitely more interested in biomedical science and cellular biology, but of course I will be learning and using quantitative biology and its techniques to a great extent. I'm also into biochemistry as well.</p>
<p>I personally do not think a bigger money budget means a better experience for undergraduates who would like to do research. Furthermore, just because there are bigger labs does not mean students will have access to them.</p>
<p>I think (like people have reiterated) that the departments at both schools are fantastic. I do not think any minuscule differences between the two will significantly impact your future there. </p>
<p>Also, regarding the drinking issue: several of my close friends (who I will be living with next year) do not drink. A lot of my friends do drink. We've never had trouble hanging out or having fun. Sometimes we go out (some don't drink) and we just dance and act silly. Other nights we play games and poker for hours or watch movies or play pool. I was worried about the extent of which alcohol seems to take over a campus, but I don't really see that as a big issue here.</p>
<p>PEOPLE, come on, New Haven is only like an hour and a half away from New York, probably even less by train. I don't think that 30 mins of difference justifies why someone should go to Princeton over Yale...</p>
<p>Trains run to/from New Haven much more frequently, however, and practically around the clock. This is the most important factor. The New Haven train stop is a 3 minute cab ride from campus or a 10-15 minute walk, and the free Yale shuttle line goes directly there.</p>
<p>^ Being in a very large city -- especially an area like Morningside Heights where you usually want to take a subway to get away, since there's not much to do -- generally kills all sense of campus life and community, especially relative to places like UMichigan, UNC-Chapel Hill, Yale or Princeton. Students (and profs) form little cliques and constantly flee the campus. It's great if it's there anytime you want to go on a day trip, though.</p>
<p>Significantly more trains, plus more late-night trains, by my measure. For example, last train to Princeton (not Princeton jct) on Saturday night leaves NYC at 11:14PM - hardly enough time to even enjoy an appetizer in the city. Meanwhile, there is more than one train departing for New Haven after 1AM in the morning.</p>
<p>I don't want to steal your thread Remi, but I'm in the same situation here. I'm interested in bio/biochem and something business-related. I've read that Princeton has better undergrad focus, but what about the social scene? It seems to me that the 'bulldogs' are friendlier (from their website at least). How about student/faculty relation? Research opportunities? Study abroad programs?</p>
<p>I don't really have any desires to ever go to NYC in my entire life. I saw it going from Princeton to Yale from afar; Manhattan has this haze over it that disgusts me, and there are way too many people/cars. I plan to pretty much stay in town whether I go to Princeton or Yale. Maybe an excursion or two to a big city, but no more.</p>