Which one of these schools has a better social atmosphere?
<p>stanford...just look at their respective athletics programs...</p>
<p>and if you don't believe that argument, tell me why USC has such a spirited atmosphere (not that its a bad school or anything- I almost chose to go there, but not at Stanford, Yale standards)</p>
<p>It really depends on what you are looking for. I visited both these schools, and found them to be very different. Personally, I liked Yale more. I am from the East Coast, and just felt more comfortable with the familiar New England vibe. Stanford's cool too though, especially if you're looking to escape the undertones of elitism at some of the Ivies, and want a really laid-back, west-coast atmosphere. My personal impression was that Stanford students are friendlier and less exclusive than Yalies, but i could be wrong. </p>
<p>A great school that is a happy medium between these two extremes is Dartmouth. It has the friendly, laid-back, non-exclusive atmosphere of Stanford but still retains the northeastern feel that some people like.</p>
<p>Palo Alto versus New Haven -- is there really a choice?</p>
<p>I don't think one is better than the other, but they certainly are different. Stanford has that California tone (50% of students are from Ca) which is sort of relaxed and laid back. It's in an upscale community, which has its pros and cons. Sports are very big.
Yale is in a small city, and while the area around the school is college oriented, parts of New Haven are a bit seedy, but the diversity is interesting. It's also cold in the winter. Students do come from all over the country and the world, and therefore it has a more cosmopolitan feel. It also has a more artsy as well as more political flavor.
So much depends upon your own tastes, but students at both are top notch, and you'll have a great time at either.</p>
<p>"stanford...just look at their respective athletics programs...</p>
<p>and if you don't believe that argument, tell me why USC has such a spirited atmosphere (not that its a bad school or anything- I almost chose to go there, but not at Stanford, Yale standards)"</p>
<p>I don't think that's really a reasonable argument. School pride != good social scene.</p>
<p>I wouldn't choose between the schools based on social atmosphere, period. There's enough to do and enough bright people with whom you will click that you will keep plenty busy. </p>
<p>They're both very good schools and while they have their differences, I believe in the Chelsea Clinton theory: if you live on one coast, go to college on the other. She chose Stanford over Yale but the opposite would also apply. Living somewhere very different from everything you're familiar with has a signficant value, imo and if other things are close to equal, should be seized.</p>
<p>"I believe in the Chelsea Clinton theory: if you live on one coast, go to college on the other."</p>
<p>esp if you have parents who carry on like hers do</p>
<p>I live in Alabama... does that mean go to Montana?</p>
<p>The thing about Stanford is it's kind of isolated. Just this little paradise, adjacent to a bunch of freeways and roads. If you're willing to make the trip frequently, San Francisco is not too far away. But otherwise, you pretty much have all your fun inside the school.</p>
<p>BoP, in your case either would do: "Out of the South" qualifies.</p>
<p>Mensa, the parents travails have nothing to do with the underlying principle.</p>