Stanford v. Princeton SCEA 2018

Colleges and Universities A-Z Stanford University
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<p>Note: I'm posting this on both threads.</p>

<p>Right now I'm pretty torn between applying to Princeton or Stanford SCEA in a couple months. I'd like to know what you guys think. </p>

<p>As a quick bio of myself, I am a white male from S.Carolina, and I plan to major in Chemistry, but I am still VERY likely to change my mind about that. I don't pretend to have a great chance at either school, but I do think I have a shot. My ECs and intangibles aren't great (Debate, Cross Country, normal stuff...) but my scores are all perfect (2400 SAT, val, etc...) Here are some of the specific factors I'm looking for in deciding between the two schools.</p>

<p>Social/Religious Scene</p>

<p>I am a Christian from the South, and my faith is very important to me. (It may be important to note that I'm also pretty politically liberal and open-minded, contrary to the Southern Christian stereotype, so that's not an issue for me) I was wondering which school is the most accepting of Christianity and offers the most opportunities for young Christians. My concern w/ P is that their eating clubs give it a pretty strong drinking culture/ Greek life vibe, which might not mix too well with my Christian faith. My concern w/ S is that Cali is definitely not known as the most Christian-friendly region. I'm curious as to which school would be the best fit for me in this regard.</p>

<p>Chances of Getting In</p>

<p>Since I do love both schools, and will apply to both at some point in the admissions process, I'll definitely consider which school would give me the best chance of getting in SCEA. I know S has a lower SCEA (and overall) acceptance rate, while P has higher average test scores and things like that, indicating perhaps that P's applicant pool as a whole is stronger. I also know S tends to reject rather than defer SCEA. Does one of these schools emphasize test scores and grades more than another (since that's my strong point)? Which one would give me the best chance SCEA?</p>

<p>Chem Program & Opportunities</p>

<p>While I am very uncertain of my plans in and after college, it would be helpful to hear if P or S has a particularly better chem program than the other, and I'd like to know if one school would give me significantly more opportunities after college than the other.</p>

<p>TL;DR- Based on these 3 factors, especially the first 2, which school should I apply to SCEA?</p>

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<p>

I wouldn’t assume that the difference in test scores relates to a stronger applicant pool. Instead it likely relates to the two schools using different methods to choose applicants, considering far more than just scores. For example, the Stanford RD thread shows an interesting pattern in that the median test scores of accepted posters are lower than rejected posters (2230 SAT accepted vs 2310 SAT rejected). Instead the accepted posters often shine in others ways, such as accomplishing amazing things in a unique passion or succeeding in unique & challenging experiences/backgrounds. Some differences in the criteria weightings marked in the CDS are Stanford marks ECs as “very important.” Princeton does not. Princeton says they consider level of applicant’s interest. Stanford does not. The self-reported data on Parchment lists that Princeton has a slightly higher acceptance rate for Parchment members who claim to have a perfect SAT or ACT + perfect GPA (Princeton is ~45%, and Stanford is ~35%). However, I think the more important factor in acceptance will be the weak ECs/intangibles that you mentioned. Stanford places a greater emphasis on ECs/intangibles, so I’d expect your odds of acceptance would be better at Princeton. </p>

<p>Regarding chemistry, most rankings lists put Stanford well above Princeton in chemistry, although both schools likely have an excellent program.</p>

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<p>Re your Christianity question: Stanford (and California in general) is just as accepting of Christianity as is Princeton (and New Jersey). The general vibe here in the Bay Area is, “If your beliefs don’t hurt others, then we’re fine with them.” On both campuses, you’ll also have a lot of religious diversity. In short: this isn’t a factor differentiating the two.</p>

<p>You mention Eating Clubs creating a vibe similar to that which Greek Life creates…Stanford has Greek Life, though I’ve heard that the drinking culture is much less pronounced at Stanford than at Princeton. </p>

<p>Re where you should apply early: you should apply early to the school you like the most. Since you said that you may change your mind about what you want to study, Stanford may be the best option. The great thing about Stanford is that it’s strong across the board: every department is ranked in the top five. </p>

<p>But having said all this, I have to say that my gut tells me your chances are better at Princeton. The “stereotype” is that Princeton admission places substantially more emphasis on your quantifiable variables (grades, score) than other top schools. Stanford, on the other hand, has a reputation of being more lenient on grades and scores, instead focusing on essays and personal qualities.</p>

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<p>There are very few places in the US that would be unaccepting of Christians. Perhaps you mean your particular denomination/version of Christianity? I think as long as you aren’t a member of some weird cult that nobody will care what religion you are. </p>

<p>As far as Greek Life and drinking go, nobody will make you do either. </p>

<p>I don’t know enough about either school’s chemistry department but P’s website claims that it has 150 grad students and 110 postdocs, so there is a lot of research for you to help with there. Stanford’s website says nothing about size but it is so highly ranked in Chemistry by USNWR that I don’t think you would be disappointed there. And honestly, as an UG the most you could do is take some grad level classes and help with research, and since each school has both I don’t think there is much of a difference.</p>

<p>Also you and I are a lot alike in terms of application characteristics. Good luck, and if you do apply to P SCEA and get in I hope that bodes well for me too.</p>