Stanford vs Yale for an agonizing senior

Colleges and Universities A-Z Stanford University
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<p>Though I'm aware this is possibly the 100th similar thread, I'd like to add a few details to my situation and post it onto both Yale and Stanford's forum. Input, please!</p>

<p>-Spent childhood in Berkeley, CA; Spent last 10 years in Madison, WI
-No definite major; Ideas: Languages, International Relations, Psychology, Law, Drama, Politics
(probably not any science/math)
-Loves to act, write, sing; interested in politics/govt type extracurriculars (internships, etc)
-Hates the cold, loves the California sun
-Likes to stay up all night talking about philosophy BUT also likes being laid back, going to parties</p>

<p>As you can see, I've got bits and pieces from what people say are the strengths of both schools. I'm sure I'd be happy either way, and I'm lucky to have this choice.
That said,
Any input?</p>

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<p>stanford= you just said it cali sun</p>

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<p>I picked between Stanford and Yale when I decided two years ago =]</p>

<p>I decided on Stanford. I am from Seattle where it is dreary and rainy, but I spent my last two years of high school at a boarding school in the Swiss Alps, so I definitely got my share of snow. If you don’t like snow and cold, dreary days, seriously consider Stanford just for that reason. Walking in between classes at my boarding school during a blizzard was probably the most miserable experience of life.</p>

<p>Also, as a girl, I was concerned about the fact that New Haven is not a very nice place to be and not very safe to be alone at night…Stanford has great lighting all over campus so I never feel scared biking anywhere in the dark (everybody bikes, if you hate biking, don’t come here). And, Stanford offers 5sure, which is a service that will pick you up after 9m in a golf cart if you feel unsafe walking home alone.</p>

<p>I am in the Human Biology program, which is one of the most popular majors at Stanford (also Econ, IR, blah blah) and I LOVE it. You take the core which combines tradtional biology which more social science, and then design your own concentration. Mine is behavioral biology and human development psych(ology stuff), but you can also concentrate in policy, human physiology, immunology, or anything you want basically (HumBio is interdisciplinary).</p>

<p>I love love love Stanford. The party scene is what you make of it, something goes on every night of the week if you want EBF happy hour, Sigma Nu balcony night, big frat parties on the weekend. Also, I love going to class in sweats and a t-shirt and not feeling weird because everyone else is wearing them too =]</p>

<p>One other thing, everyone that I have met at Stanford is looking to do their best, but not at your expense. Study groups are encouraged for most classes, and it can be really fun to study or work on homework as a group. Some friends I have at Yale said it can be cutthroat, and some students will try to mislead you on how to approach a problem, which sounds awful to me.</p>

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<p>dude your so lucky you got accepted i am currently waitlisted with s 4.4 gpa and a 34 ACT, 3 year varsity in Football and wrestling, and other volunteering. i pretty much lost hope i know how hard it is to get off the waitlist</p>

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<p>@FutureENTSurgeon: Before anything else, consider the fact that you posted at 11:11. But in all seriousness, you still have chances to get in - just remember to send/fax them regular updates and reinforce your desire to attend that particular school (I’m guessing Stanford?) in your updates.</p>

<p>@iliekturtles: This is crazy… not to sound creepy at all or anything but I’m also from Seattle and currently choosing between Stanford and Yale (and Wharton at UPenn). Stanford has been my dream school since sixth grade… but I love both UPenn and Yale a bunch. Were all the factors you listed below enough to sway your decision towards Stanford, or did you consider anything else? If so, how did you make the final decision?</p>