hi! I was fortunate enough to be accepted to my top 2 schools, stanford and princeton and I now face a very difficult decision. I want to study marine environmental science and I know stanford has one of the best environmental programs in the country whereas princeton is pretty unknown in that area, but i like princeton much better as a school (smaller, more cozy, undergrad focus, east coast). the only thing that’s keeping me from accepting princetons offer right now is:
im not sure how much the reputation of a specific department matters in the future i.e. when looking for jobs/applying to grad school? imo, stanfords is much better and is better known (plus theyre closer to the ocean and have a marine lab)
everyone around me is saying stanford hands down
(but i know that i am the one going to college so #2 doesn’t matter much)
i admit stanford seems like the clear choice but i’m having a very hard time letting go of princeton. its hard for me to believe that id be missing out on much by going there - my studies would probably just be more independent and that is something i like about princeton. again, my main concern is point #1 since princeton is basically unknown in marine environmental. any input is appreciated!
I wasn’t aware that Stanford had a top notch environmental program, but if that’s what you want to study, then I think Stanford would be the choice. And while it’s an 8,000 acre campus, when you’re on campus, it doesn’t feel that large at all. East versus west coast is a choice for you to make, but the weather on the SF Peninsula is pretty spectacular for most of the year around here.
I posted earlier today on the Princeton thread re: a question about Stanford/Princeton prestige if you want to see what my daughter decided to do when she was in your shoes last year (albeit different subject interests). Can you visit both? They really are such different schools. I think you’d be able to tell almost immediately which one fits YOU best. Also, check out the classes (course catalog) in your areas of interest for each school. Cross tab that with reviews from ratemyprofessor dot com. Sit in on some of those courses during admitted student days if you can. After you do this additional research, ask yourself where you want to spend the next 4 years - and where you see yourself returning for reunions or alumni events, etc. No regrets allowed!
@helpme84 I would have to agree with the others and say Stanford. I would say Stanford for the reasons you mentioned yourself, i.e. it is overall stronger, better known and more importantly better in your area of interest. Also the environment and vibe of Stanford is more appealing to me personally. But that is just my opinion.
You should visit both and see for yourself. At this level fit is more important than anything else.
Visit them both if possible and see, fit is important but Stanford’s environmental program is outstanding.
Regarding “undergrad focus” - personally I never felt that the focus was on graduate students over undergrads at Stanford. It was never hard to find research opportunities, get into undergrad or graduate level courses, etc.
