Stanford v. Princeton!!! (Please help!)

Colleges and Universities A-Z Stanford University
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<p>Like many other students, I'm facing the HUGE decision of choosing between attending two amazing colleges. There are so many pros to attending both Princeton and Stanford University that I have no idea what choice I'm going to make come May 1. I've been leaning towards Stanford since that school has been my dream school since forever, but now that I have the opportunity to attend Princeton, I'm not so sure. Does anyone have any insight that would help me make this decision? I've listed some key factors below.</p>

<p>Academics: Would anyone be able to offer their insight for which school would be a better fit for a student leaning towards Economics/International Relations/Political Science? As of now I'm very interested in Princeton's unique undergraduate concentration in the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs but Stanford's Economics program as well as the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit are tempting as well.</p>

<p>Grades: As a student hoping to later attend law school, Princeton's grade deflation is a bit of a turnoff. How big of an issue is grade deflation for current students? After all, for law school it's important to maintain the highest GPA possible, regardless of the institution. Do law schools account for Princeton's grade deflation policies? And does Stanford practice grade inflation or deflation as well? </p>

<p>Environment: I'm a middle class African American student and am really curious as to what social life is like for minorities and lower-income students at both Princeton and Stanford. Which school is more open and welcoming to diversity?</p>

<p>Alumni Network: I've heard that graduating from Princeton opens students up not only to Princeton's alumni network but also connections with alumni from the entire Ivy League. Is Princeton's alumni network stronger than Stanford's or is there little to no difference between them?</p>

<p>Undergraduate Focus: It is widely said that Princeton is one of the best schools to attend because of its undergraduate focus. Do Stanford's graduate schools make a big difference in the amount of resources offered to undergraduates?</p>

<p>Research: Both Princeton and Stanford are top tier research universities but Princeton requires every undergraduate student to do independent research, culminating in a senior thesis. Nevertheless, Stanford has many research opportunities for students too. Which university has a better research program for a Social Sciences major?</p>

<p>Graduate School: I've also been told that it is easier to get accepted to a graduate school if you attended the same university as an undergrad. Stanford obviously wins out on this one since Princeton doesn't have a law school but is favoring undergraduate students actually practiced or do graduate schools not consider this?</p>

<p>This is pretty long but I'd appreciate any feedback from anyone. Thank you!!!</p>

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<p>In terms of diversity, Princeton is 49% white and 8% African American. Stanford is 38% white and 6% African American. Here are the specific stats:</p>

<p>STANFORD: African American 6% Asian 17% Hispanic 14% International 12% Native American 1% White 38% Unknown 2%</p>

<p>PRINCETON: African American 8% Asian 17% Hispanic 9% International 11% Native American 0% White 49% Unknown 3%</p>

<p>It’s interesting because College p.r.owler ranks Stanford 21st for most open-minded, whereas Princeton ranks around 993. I live ten minutes away from Stanford and I definitely think that race isn’t much of an issue. I think that some Stanford students who are not as wealthy do sometimes feel out of place living in an expensive town like Palo Alto, but not because they feel discriminated against by the students. Plus, Stanford’s environment is arguably happier and more laid-back. I’m sure that the epic weather has something to do with this. :)</p>

<p>For econ, Stanford and Princeton are about neck-and-neck in the US News reports. Stanford appears to be ranked slightly higher. I’m not sure about international relations, but if it means anything, I do know that Stanford’s international study curriculum is epic. Plus, it has more international students. I have read that Princeton is slightly better in IR because of Woodrow Wilson. Princeton is strong in the Humanities, but Stanford is strong all across the board. Many of its departments rank #1 in the world, if not in the top five. If you ever decide you want to pursue a different major, chances are their department will be one of the best. I’m not sure that Princeton offers the same luxury.</p>

<p>Both schools provide an excellent undergraduate experience. I’ve heard time and time again that Stanford provides the #1 undergraduate experience in the world, both from alumni and people who have never attended Stanford. The amazing thing about Stanford’s graduate school is that you can take classes there as an undergrad – in fact, it is encouraged. You will also have graduate students in your undergrad classes (mostly athletic/social dance classes), which is interesting.</p>

<p>As for graduate school, honestly if you get an awesome GPA and work hard it doesn’t matter where you went. Princeton’s grade deflation may be detrimental in this regard. Stanford’s average GPA is higher than the other ivies except for Brown according to gradeinflation.com. The average Princeton GPA is a 3.2-3.3. Though I’m sure that a 3.5 from Princeton is looked at differently from a 3.5 from most other schools.</p>

<p>And as for research, Stanford is located in the heart of Silicon Valley, between SF and San Jose, with some of the highest ranked departments in the world. You can’t go wrong.</p>

<p>Let me know which one you choose. But really, you can’t go wrong. Hope to see you at Stanford next year. I’ll be the freshman girl with a faux mint-colored deer head hanging above her bed, if I can get away with it. :p</p>

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<p>schoolgirl - I believe that it is important to go to a school which has one of the professional schools you aspire to if you have plans to do medicine, business, law or anything else. If you are there, you have the opportunity to work on the type of ECs that get into the type of professional school you would like to attend without having to work on them outside of the school. You will have access to take seminars with law school profs, have access to work with them and work towards your goals. It is a given that Stanford has a preference for their own grads but if you do well enough at Stanford, you can write your own ticket to any school.</p>

<p>I don’t believe you will be out of place at Stanford. They have plenty of support groups for minorities and goes deep into academic aspirations.</p>

<p>[Stanford</a> Pre-Law Society](<a href=“http://www.stanford.edu/group/SPLS/aboutspls.html]Stanford”>http://www.stanford.edu/group/SPLS/aboutspls.html)</p>

<p>[Black</a> Community Services Center | Student Affairs](<a href=“http://studentaffairs.stanford.edu/bcsc]Black”>http://studentaffairs.stanford.edu/bcsc)</p>

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<p>WOW. u really do exist - people who get into Princeton, and Stanford. Congratulations! WOW.</p>

<p>Hands down, no brainer: Princeton is your school for what you want to study and more: they focus on ugrads, stanford is a big teaching U and not as much focus on undergrads as Princeton. You’ll be coddled. Granted, Stanford is better for the minorities, but make your way: get the practice you’ll need for a lifetime negotiating hallowed halls of rich white men and making them get out of your way.</p>

<p>You won’t find a niche as easily at Princton as you might as Stanford, not so much cause you’re black , more about the fact that you’re not old school money, established rich and famous and connected and powerful stock. Princeton historically is the most biggoted school , hanging on desperately , far more so than H or Y of the big three: they tortured Jews, women and recently raised the bar for Asians so they don’t become 100% Asian school. Like all the fancy pant schools, it’s now in vogue to value ‘diversity’, but it’s still only about 6% of it’s students are diverse.</p>

<p>The good news is, you will fit in. they have, at Princeton, admitted other middleclass kids and are really trying regardless of the Eating Clubs.Princeton was my son’s dream school. You gotta go there. His major interest is same as yours. there is not a better school ugrad than princeton for what you’re interested. You could become anything by attending: supreme court judge, senator, first female black pres, what ever. You gotta go to Princeton. Just be sure you have the money to fly home occasionally. Not sure, but I guess, birds of a feather flock together there,and those with wealthy family money do their three day vacations and Xmas and spring break in the Alps, or Caribbean or Paris or the Rockies, blah blah blah. Who cares. Just don’t expect them to take you home, same I told my son, if he got in. there’s still a wall. for example, one of their eating clubs (their idea of frats and social heirarchy) is $15K /year, but having the money isn’t enough: you have to do an app. what ever. The important thing is , you will be able to experience and learn from some of our greatest minds and that’s something no one can ever take from you.</p>

<p>By the way, Fear the tree, i enjoy your posts and if you want to let your family hang out, more power to you. It’s nice to read from some one with your perspective. Thanks for sharing.</p>

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<p>I was in the same boat last year, and I ended up picking Stanford over Princeton. I won’t attempt to answer all of your questions, since I don’t know much about the experience at Princeton to compare with that at Stanford. </p>

<p>Here’s my rationale when I made my decision: These are 2 top-tier schools, so the difference in prestige, academics, career prospect, research, and alumni network is minuscule. Granted, Princeton might have more of an undergrad focus. However, the way these factors affect your college experience is entirely up to you.</p>

<p>There are other factors with huge impact on your day-to-day experience that you have little control over: weather, collaborative/competitive environment, general student body’s happiness, and level of open-mindedness and acceptance. They become infinitely more important in picking your college. In these respects, I believe Stanford is a better place: lovely California weather, collaborative atmosphere, happier student body (a product of a more laid-back attitude, the weather, and grade inflation), and more accepting environment.</p>

<p>If possible, visit both and decide for yourself. I trust you will make the right decision.</p>

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<p>tridpq</p>

<p>I have a son at each of these schools. They are both fantastic. I’m not sure how you can make the claim that Stanford is more open minded, has a happier student body and is more accepting. You have only experienced Stanford and not Princeton so how would you know.</p>

<p>I will grant you that the weather is better at Stanford.</p>

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<p>I’m sure both schools are fantastic. All the claims I made are subjective, since I’ve only been at Stanford.
I believe The Daily Beast claims Stanford as the happiest college in 2012: [College</a> Rankings 2012: 25 Happiest Schools (Photos) - Newsweek and The Daily Beast](<a href=“http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/galleries/2012/08/05/college-rankings-2012-25-happiest-schools-photos.html#slide_1]College”>http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/galleries/2012/08/05/college-rankings-2012-25-happiest-schools-photos.html#slide_1)</p>

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<p>My son chose Stanford and had a wonderful undergrad experience. After one of his numerous visits to Princeton he said he was glad he didn’t go to Princeton as he would never have been as happy, laid back and comfortable as at Stanford.</p>

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<p>As the posters said, both schools are great. But you have to understand that a lot of people will be making “subjective” claims because we all have certain amount of experiences at a specific university. For instance, one can say that he had a great experience at Stanford and that he doesn’t regret not choosing Princeton. That can also be said for someone who had to choose b/t Princeton & Stanford, and ultimately chose Princeton. </p>

<p>Someone may say that Stanford has one of the ‘happiest’ colleges. At the same time, someone may say that Princeton is currently co-ranked #1 in the nation.</p>

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<p>USNWR is a failed magazine that uses some strange variables to determine ranking–only inputs no measure of how school does in educating its students. That someone who would a choose based on what this failed magazine says is crazy! Indeed, even though Princeton has been rated first or near first for many years, it is now several notches down the list of competing for students who are accepted to HYPSM–it is at least fifth or sixth favorite, so at least students are making decisions based on more important factors like --do I like the campus, does the college have my major, how large are clasess?? While I think Princeton is an excellent university, I continue to wonder why they are deemd a “university” anymore, when the other universities on the lists have much bigger grad schools, research facilities and professional schools. With a $17 billion endowment, I wonder why Princeton does not have a medical school? Our nation needs medical schools and doctors --not more Princeton grads working on Wall St. If Princeton was really “in the nation’s service”, it would start a medical school! And it would expand its research facilities. You do not need this size endowment to teach undergrads who mostly major in liberal arts.
From my viewpoint, Stanford has had a tremendous impact on our nation’s economy and has basically been a core reason for the development of the whole high tech sector, software development adn related telecommunications fields. Princeton has no such impact on NJ or the Northeast in any way.</p>

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<p>@schoolgirl : Stanford is less stressful. The grade deflation stories at Princeton are something you should look into</p>

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<p>IMO, the eating club system at Princeton can be a big negative for middle class and minority students, but you may have a good experience. Also, you have to apply and be accepted into the Woodrow Wilson School and it is very selective. Would you be OK with your Princeton experience if that doesn’t work out for you? Do you care about the sports scene? Stanford football and its other top athletic programs really do contribute to school spirit. My S went to Dartmouth (similar to Princeton in size, undergraduate focus, and Ivy athletics) and my D is at Stanford. After visiting his sister, S now says he regrets not choosing a school with a better sports program. He didn’t think he’d care, but loved the fun and excitement of the Stanford campus.</p>

<p>I’d agree that Princeton’s environment seems to be a little more stressful, based on what I’ve seen from living close to campus and knowing students there. Your mileage may vary.</p>

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<p>^ “Also, you have to apply and be accepted into the Woodrow Wilson School and it is very selective.”</p>

<p>Just want to get the record straight about the above comments. There is no selection process for Woodrow Wilson School any more. Any Princeton student will be accepted as long as completes the prerequisites since class 2015.</p>

<p>“Beginning with the Class of 2015, any Princeton sophomore who has completed the prerequisites will be able to concentrate in the Woodrow Wilson School; there will be no application process as in prior years.”</p>

<p>[Woodrow</a> Wilson School of Public and International Affairs | Admissions](<a href=“http://wws.princeton.edu/ugrad/admission/]Woodrow”>http://wws.princeton.edu/ugrad/admission/)</p>

<p>Wilson School ready to expand - The Daily Princetonian
[Wilson</a> School ready to expand - The Daily Princetonian](<a href=“http://www.dailyprincetonian.com/2012/10/03/31361/]Wilson”>http://www.dailyprincetonian.com/2012/10/03/31361/)</p>

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<p>For undergraduate education, none comes even close to matching what Princeton has to offer. I applied to Princeton, but was redirected. If I have the option to attend Princeton, I will do that in a heartbeat. Stanford is a great university, and I feel blessed to be included in her class of 2017. But Princeton is in a class by itself for undergraduate education. Princeton undergraduate and Harvard graduate – the ideal combination.</p>

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We think your account will be banned shortly, lol. Nice ■■■■■■■■ spree.</p>