<p>I am planning on applying to either MIT or Stanford EA and would like some opinions from you all about each schools pros and cons. I have read alot and even visited MIT but am leaning very slightly toward Stanford at the moment. At the moment, I am planning a Chemical Engineering major but that may change. Likely though, I will be in some kind of engineering.</p>
<p>I am looking for new opinons on the schools, so any information is appreciated. </p>
<p>Thanks guys and girls.</p>
<p>I would think Stanford offers a more well-rounded education and more social opportunities than MIT. It also has nicer weather and a nicer campus. So I'd go with Stanford. - Coming from an MIT reject, no I'm not bitter, really I'm not :)</p>
<p>Both are awesome. I really like both universities and if I had a choice, the decision would be tough. I prefer Stanford in many ways, primarily because it is so well rounded and more laid back. But MIT has its own strengths. In terms of weather and campus beauty, Stanford takes the cake...easily. But MIT is in a great location. You just cross the bridge and you are in a great part of Boston. And Cambridge itself is rather nice. Tough decision!</p>
<p>Is there any chance at all you might change your major? If so, go with Stanford. It offers a richer variety of options in the non-science/engineering areas.</p>
<p>I think the biggest question is: do you like the atmosphere at MIT? It's a pretty unique place, but if you're not psyched about it, it will be harder for you to be happy.</p>
<p>(Have you visited? If not, you probably have no idea what I'm talking about with "atmosphere" -- if you haven't visited, I'll do my best to explain this wonderland we've got going on over here.)</p>
<p>i actually have visited MIT in the spring while classes were in session and found the atmosphere intriguing. by that, i mean that i find it a cool bustling place because it seems fun based on the hacks and floor rushes. it seems like an amalgam of cooky science people having fun with what they can do.<br>
but having not visited Stanford i am interested in that point of view in perspective of others</p>
<p>Awesome. Best of luck in finding things out then :)</p>
<p>MIT is amazing. Don't come unless you are a little masochistic and very passionate about learning. If you are willing to work until it hurts, MIT will teach you how to think, and you'll get the chance to meet some insane, brilliant, and funny people the process. I already think about the world in a completely new way, and I've only been here two years. The students have a lot of freedom, because they know we are competent adults not children. We can paint our rooms, have all sorts of pets, even build giant roller coasters out of wood (The admins know were engineers and that we can make sure the things we build are safe.) The dorms on the East Side of Campus are filled with the inventions of students. We have a pressure-sensitive light up disco floor, a buzzer that goes off whenever conversation gets awkward, and a sensor that turns off the flame on the stove if the kitchen's been empty too long. We even have an annual Bad Ideas Competition. These are just a few examples of the energetic and inventive culture that characterizes MIT. Also, the students are disproportionately nice here compared to other schools because the student body is mostly nerds and weirdos who were picked on in high school and finally found acceptance at MIT. Unlike at the Ivys, at MIT students aren't really competitive; people help each other with homework all the time and tend to work in groups. Also, my recitations are taught by Nobel prize winners. I love it here.</p>
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Also, the students are disproportionately nice here compared to other schools because the student body is mostly nerds and weirdos who were picked on in high school and finally found acceptance at MIT.
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<p>I've always secretly wondered if this was why everybody's nice here. Glad to see someone else shares my theory!</p>
<p>Ditto Alexandre -- However, know of several students with the same dilemma -- and all chose Stanford over MIT.</p>
<p>Stanford is an amazing university with a really broad spectrum of classes and students. Even if you don't think you would ever change your major, I think Stanford can offer you more.</p>