<p>Hello all,
I am a HS senior and potential applied math major, torn between applying early to Harvard and Princeton. Since both schools are REA, I can not choose both.
I did some research and I noticed that both schools had a very similar early acceptance rate, but Princeton was more forgiving (5.4% as opposed to Harvard's 3.8%) in the regular acceptance pool.
For me, Harvard is a lovely place with a strong program in applied mathematics that allows students to concentrate in specific areas of applied math-biology, engineering, etc. I am more familiar with the area, and I know it is lively and fun. The housing situation at Harvard is also very appealing to me-freshman dorms followed by "houses."
Princeton has a gorgeous setting in an area which is slightly less familiar for me. I am very drawn to their ORFE (operations research and financial engineering) program, which seems to combine several of the fields I love most. Their housing is a bit more complicated but still seems like I would enjoy it.
Many thanks for all of your help! Best of luck in your application processes.</p>
<p>Have you visited these schools? If possible that’s where I would start if I were you. I’d also encourage you to ignore the very small difference in acceptance rates between these and other similar schools. The 1.6% difference between them doesn’t mean you have a 1.6% better chance at getting into Princeton than Harvard. Your application may appeal far more to one admissions counsellor/department than the other and frankly the difference is miniscule. </p>
<p>I am not familiar with math at Harvard, but I do know that math at Princeton is very strong and well regarded. </p>
<p>Thanks so much for your reply.
I have visited both places, and I loved both campuses, etc.
Very good point about the miniscule difference!</p>
<p>See: <a href=“Apply to Princeton, Harvard, and Yale? - Princeton University - College Confidential Forums”>Apply to Princeton, Harvard, and Yale? - Princeton University - College Confidential Forums;
<p>Many thanks!</p>
<p>Harvard is more urban. Does that make a difference? Some people want city life, some want to be away from it all. </p>
<p>I love the area around Harvard. Good point!</p>
<p>@ekroxx You have great manners!</p>