<p>So I'm struggling with the decision, and I've asked for advice from just about everybody. 90% have told me Stanford, the other 10% Williams. Both schools probably provide the most well-rounded education in their respective niches (big research university vs. small LAC). I'm leaning towards Williams (60%?) at the moment, but it changes daily, no joke. But my decision won't be complete without a little help from my CC friends of course.</p>
<p>Some background on me: Asian American from Southern CA, probably majoring in Poli Sci or IR, maybe minoring in philosophy. Athletic, outdoorsy, laid-back extrovert, want to study abroad (preferably Africa). Definitely a work hard play hard type of person. I want to do crew in college!! Haha.</p>
<p>Pros and cons </p>
<p>Stanford pros: reputation/name recognition, world class faculty, resources/opportunities, networking, gorgeous campus, closer to home, weather, laid-back atmosphere, chill people, felt more "at home" than at Williams, in & out nearby haha.</p>
<p>Stanford cons: big classes (though not always a bad thing), TA's, no study abroad in Africa, the "expected" route for me to take</p>
<p>Williams pros: tutorial, small classes, interpersonal relationships with profs, tight-knit community, outdoors/nature, gorgeous campus, nice people, change of scenery, better for humanities, Tyng scholarship (3 years of graduate school money), study abroad program with Africa</p>
<p>Williams cons: intense atmosphere, isolated, weather, possibly too much like high school with small student body (less than my high school!), diversity, I think I might just be "infatuated" with the idea of Williams, too preppy (NE elite wealthy kids), no mainstream movie theater! haha</p>
<p>In the end it will probably come down to gut feeling because I know I will receive a great education either way. The tangibles, however, vary greatly and are major factors in my decision. Will I be able to adapt to 4 years at Williamstown after living in SoCal all my life? Will I make friends easier at Stanford? Will Williamstown be more clique-y? Is Stanford too "safe"?</p>
<p>Stuck between a rock and a hard place. Any help would be greatly appreciated.</p>