My son had exactly the same problem back to 2008.
Stanford is relatively stronger in STEM, and it will train you really well in that or related fields.
@GrapePocky I think the Stanford vs. Yale decision is the most difficult of all, and many students waver between the two—I know we did last year, and even now I still occasionally wonder, “What if?” One thing to keep in mind is that the following are both possible:
- You may not actually get that intimate connection Yale seems to offer. We met someone at a local reception for admitted students who didn't have that experience there, though he was glad he went to Yale. A lot will depend on you and on who happens to be in your residential college.
- You may change your mind about your major or find that Stanford bio, for whatever reason, isn't your cup of tea.
What I’m saying is that you simply can’t know everything in advance. My son was very certain he was going to major in CS, and that was the main reason he chose Stanford over Yale. He’s no longer a prospective CS major, and the major he’s most likely to choose is just as prestigious at Yale. As I’ve said elsewhere, he’s still glad he chose Stanford—he loves the location, weather, “chill” atmosphere, and relative freedom in terms of being able to take pretty much whatever he wants, with just a few exceptions. He’s also really glad he’s close to home.
About the bragging ProFros you met: My son has llterally met hundreds of freshmen now, and only one has bragged about his achievements. Usually you have to ask to find out what it is that makes each student so unique (and all of them seem to be amazingly unique and accomplished)—people just don’t advertise it. They’re busy making friends, doing their course work, participating in extracurriculars, etc. It’s definitely a friendly, collaborative, noncompetitive environment.
That said, your feelings that Stanford might be “too different” for you and that you’re not sure if you’re mature enough to live so far from home are important. Freshman year is an adjustment no matter where you go, but it’s more of one for some students than for others. For my son, being close to home this year has been very helpful, even though he was fine with the idea of going to college back East. I think he’s grown a lot, and he’ll actually be spending the summer on the East Coast.
My inclination for you is that you’d be better off sticking with Yale, at least for the first year or two. If you want to explore California, you can do that in the summers or even potentially transfer. Also, if you do end up transferring to one school or the other, it might be better to go to Yale first, so you have the first year of that residential college experience. I’m not sure what it’s like for students who transfer in as sophomores or juniors—many friendships and bonds have probably already been formed.
Good luck with your decision, and let us know what you end up doing!
transfer acceptance rate to Stanford is 3-4%… realistically not a viable option fyi,
I am not sure it is that high considering Stanford prefers ex-military candidates for about 4-6 seats out of 25-30.
true
btw… I’m from the east coast and when I checked out Yale I though it was way too small compared to Stanford and I thought New Haven was depressing… plus I’m STEM and into startups so it was no competition… Stanford all the way. Yale was simply not going to give me the opportunities Stanford was… .not by a country mile and I can say that confidently because I’ve been involved in 2 very successful startups:)
My advice from everything you wrote you belong and feel more comfortable at Yale. Go with your initial decision that is usually the right one IMO.
You can’t change fit. Students who are accepted to these caliber of schools can succeed wherever they go. I firmly believe that. You will receive a wonderful education either way. I’m a Stanford parent so have a Stanford bias. My ds has thrived there, far from home and far from what is familiar to him. I think it is a school that appeals to a certain type of person, however. If you aren’t that type, don’t second guess yourself. I often tell my son, “Play long, play wrong.”
I don’t know if you are getting outside pressure to make a change or what, exactly, is causing this indecicivness. Never doubt your gut.