<p>As the title suggests, I'm in the fortunate position of choosing between Stanford and Harvard. I'm not necessarily looking for "The Answer", but I would like some helpful input, as I struggle to make the decision. I know that normally these sort of threads devolve into bickering and semantical arguments, so I thought I would ground the discussion to my specific case. </p>
<p>I live in Boston, and have lived there for quite some time. I see myself majoring in CS or perhaps an Engineering field. Initially, I was set on Harvard, due to its reputation for excellence in all of its programs, and its location. More recently, however, I've put more weight on the strength of the schools' CS/Eng programs, and have also considered the fact that 4 years outside of familiar territory (Boston) would probably be good for me. Ultimately, I go back and forth, trying to decide if Stanford's location and atmosphere will be right for me, and if the strength of the CS program is really that important. Any input/help you could provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.</p>
<p>Location to Silicon Valley is SUCH a huge plus. The ties the CS and Engineering departments have are extremely strong, considering that so many Stanford alumni wind up in Silicon Valley. I’m not techie myself but my friends have come back with stories of field trips to Facebook, Google, etc. They heavily recruit on campus too with Stanford geared events.</p>
<p>congratulations on the admits!!!
it really depends on what kind of person you are, i’ve heard that harvard can be very cutthroat whereas stanford is a little more laid back. also, if you really like sports or if your mood is easily affected by the weather, stanford might be better for you. i’m sure you’ll be happy at both though.</p>
<p>I’dd DEFINITELY go to Harvard if I were you…it has the best programs in virtually everything, and I wouldn’t leave home at such a young age if such a great opportunity awaited me right at home.</p>
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<li><p>This thread is more than three months old. The OP’s decision was made long ago.</p></li>
<li><p>Harvard, while a fine college, does not, in fact, have the “best programs in virtually everything”; for example, it is rather weak in CS and engineering, the fields that were of interest to the OP. Stanford, Berkeley and MIT have the best programs in those fields.</p></li>
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