<p>Hello everybody. My mom and I have been lurking in the forums for months now (well, more my mom than me), but I guess now is as good a time as any to finally register and post something. I got into both Yale and Stanford, and now I am having the hardest time making a decision. I suppose I should post this in the Yale forum too... Anyway, I had always had Yale as a first choice, in large part because I didn't think I would never get into Stanford. Well, for better or for worse, I got into both (a miracle). I live in Los Angeles, and I love the west coast. At the same time, I have no idea what the east coast ivy league college experience is like, and I imagine there is nothing like it. In 30 years time, would I rather look back on my chill relaxed years at Stanford or my exciting years at Yale? I kind of see Yale as having a Hogwart's (from Harry Potter) kind of feel, and Stanford as just being this really laid back university in sunny Cali. I really don't know where to go, and I was hoping you guys could help me out and give me some pros and cons of each. Where would you go, and why?</p>
<p>If you live in CA. then the obvious choice is Yale---an adventure. Stnaford would be my top choice, for the same reason. But don't judge the east on New Haven and the immediate environs! "Exciting" might not be what you expereince, altho you'll experience many other good things here. Also, post grad, if you are any kind of "reputation whore", you re better off with Yale.</p>
<p>First, congrats!</p>
<p>Second, I disagree with rumbean (cool name though). Different isn't always better. Second, yes, Yale might enjoy an "ivy advantage" when it comes to prestige, but Stanford will take you just as far. I agree with rumbean that Yale would be a great experience, but not quite as exciting as you perceive. Stanford's campus is beautiful (in my opinion), but Yale, well, is kind of dingy. I have a friend who goes there, and well, New Haven is a bit sketch.</p>
<p>I'm experiencing a similar situation, so I'll use it as an analogy. I didn't apply to any ivies except Princeton, where I won't likely go if I get in. I'm choosing between a potential Duke scholarship and Stanford (financial aid though). I live in NC, but distance isn't really a factor. I'm visiting both campuses and deciding based on that; I'll get different vibes. I suggest you do the same. If you've already done so, try to take a second look. Good luck!</p>
<p>Both will be equally prestigious no matter where in this country you live after graduation and as you begin a career.</p>
<p>If you have no strong reason to choose between the two, I strongly suggest you choose Yale so that you will experience a different part of this country and the somewhat different "East coast" culture.</p>
<p>I grew up in the east, went to Wellesley and later went to Stanford for business school. </p>
<p>There is great value in broadening your experiences, geographically and otherwise.</p>
<p>I second the opinion of jmmom. My S is facing the same dilemna. Both his father and I went to New England for college after growing up in socal and the south. Although we did not want to stay in the East, we feel that it was a broadening experience and are glad that we lived in the East for our college years.
I look at Stanford as a more fun experience: big time athletics, school spirit, good weather which often equates to happier people.
I look at going East, for a Californian, as an adventure: learning a new culture (there is such a difference), exploring new places, reaching to fit into a place that socially may not be quite as comfortable as staying in California.
I returned to L.A. for Medical School and have stayed in CA ever since, but I value the opportunity of having lived in Boston.
Finally, you can't go wrong, both schools will give you an unbelievable experience!!!! THE MOST IMPORTANT ADVICE: FOLLOW YOUR HEART!</p>
<p>jmmom, maybe you don't hear about Stanford not being as hot as Yale (in the east) because you went there. My Dad is a sr. exec w/a Fortune 500 co. who says no matter how great Stanford is, the east sees only the east and even tho it is Stanford, there is still the undercurrent east coast prejudice vs. Californians as "too laid back".</p>
<p>rumbean - I live in the East. I "know" that Stanford is as impressive as Yale and Harvard here. There will always be individuals who are more impressed by one thing or another, one place or another, but as a generalization they are equally "prestigious." That's why they call it HYPS (lol), not HYPB, HYPD, or HYPC.</p>
<p>Stanford is by NO means less prestigious than Yale. You definitely should visit both campuses. I know it takes alot to visit Yale across the country, but it also takes alot to commit to a place for four years. Also I believe Stanford covers travel expenses (important to me coming from the east coast), and maybe Yale would do the same.</p>
<p>i didnt apply to yale and i havent heard from stanford yet, but i'm facing a similar situation like u -- east coast or west coast.</p>
<p>if you do live in cali like i do, i think east coast is one of those unique once in a lifetime opportunities. 4 years of your life is a long time but it's great to broaden your horizons and experience something different. It's not like you're going to stay there forever. You only live once. Take advantage of any opportunity to live outside of your home. </p>
<p>Now if you're an east coast person, do the reverse and go to Stanford.</p>
<p>But in the end it's your decision and no one elses. Do what you think is right for you. I do think change is good because it gives you a different experience. Like I said, you only live once.</p>
<p>Thanks everybody for your input. I think everyone's analyses are right on. Stanford and Yale are essentially equally prestigious (although Yale does have a bit more cache, particularly on the east coast), and I probably OUGHT to go to Yale to have that whole ivy league/east coast experience. At the same time, I'm not really the adventurous type (although I have travelled to over 60 countries). Actually, I'm kind of lazy. Granted, if given a task I work really hard to get the job done to as close to perfection as I can get it, but if left to my own devices, I'd much rather just listen to Phish and hang with friends and relax. I also happen to really like my family. I'm not really worried about being homesick, as it's never been a problem before, but still, it would be nice to be only a long car-ride away. Ultimately it seems like a decision between following my heart or my mind. I'd rather stay in CA and probably work a bit less hard (not that I wouldn't be working hard) and be more comfortable. At the same time, the lure of Yale is hard to overcome. No matter where I go, I know I'll have an unbelievable time. I feel like Stanford is the easy way out, but that I perhaps SHOULD go to Yale just because it's a once in a lifetime opportunity. This is gonna be a tough month.</p>
<p>Makisupa-</p>
<p>I responded to your post on the Yale thread- because I'm kinda facing a similar choice (although I live In WA state). Im curious about your travel experience because I have been blessed with the opportunity to visit almost as many countries as you( 55ish). Have is it been with family or work or sports or something else? Mine has been mostly with family and work (i work for a publishing company in the summers)... did you also use your experiences in your essays? I wrote my main essay which I used at all the schools I applied to about an experience I had in Mali...
Anyways, just curious- its cool to find someone who has to make a similar decision...</p>
<p>STANFORD!!! -and this is coming from a Duke student</p>
<p>incollege88- what makes you say that?</p>
<p>Go to Yale! Get the east-coast experience!</p>
<p>Go to Stanford -its better in my opinion</p>
<p>so what would one do if they're a 'both coast' person (i was in ca until 99 when i moved over to md)? i'm asking since, while i probably won't be admitted to stanford (deferee, no phone call), my other two top choices are cmu and ucsd...</p>
<p>You must visit both over admit weekend and make your decision. You'll know if the school "feels" right for you. My son decided between Dartmouth and Yale in 2003 and, to our surprise (and support) choose Dart for the "feel." He loves it, and there's no question in our minds it was the best fit for him. But he only learned that at admit weekend (Dart calls it "Dimensions of Dartmouth" weekend). We live in New York, but our daughter, a Stanford '09 admit, will go to admit weekend even though it is far away and occurs up against APs and finals. You must go experience the school to get a true sense of what's right for you.</p>
<p>If you want to be nice to me, go to Yale so I have slightly better chance of getting off the Stanford waitlist... I'm extremely jealous of you and I hope you are able to pity me from the bottom of your extremely lucky (and most likely incredibly gifted and talented) soul...
PLEASE GO TO YALE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DON'T MAKE ME CRY (again) IN LATE MAY-JUNE!!!!</p>
<p>Makisupa - Congratualtions on your dual admissions!! What an accomplishment and what a tough choice! Normally I would be one to give the advice: the biggest risks have the biggest rewards. But your second posts sounds like you have a lot of hesitations about going east AND if you've traveled to 60 different countries you've already had lots of other opportunities to take risks, move outside your comfort zone and broaden your horizon. </p>
<p>So let me assure you that you will find plenty of challenges and new experiences at stanford. Just because they are both in california does not mean you won't still find differences between palo alto and LA. Second of all, you will be interacting with students from all over the U.S. and all of the world, so it doesn't matter that you're still in CA. Also, you will not be looking back on "chill relaxed years at Stanford" or "working a bit less hard". You will work your tail off just as much at Stanford as you would at Yale -- you'll just be doing it in nicer weather which tends to make people feel less burdened and grumpy. Lastly, this is my silly mom reason, I did not want my D to have to travel alone on such a long plane ride, have long lay-overs, plane delays, and running between terminals and waste a day in travel and time changes. In addition to trying to get all of your stuff shipped out there! I don't know how other kids do it! It may not seem like a big deal to do that once at the beginning and end of the year, but is it really worth it for a couple days off for thanksgiving break? And it shortens your measly 1 week off for spring break, not to mention your folks traveling out there for parents weekend only to turn around and come right back. Not to mention the expense of it all. Also, if you need to make a quick trip back for a younger sibs graduation, etc. It's just nice to know that the travel will not be an issue. I just mention these things since you said that you are close to your family and sense you said you mom is reading these boards too. That's my 2 cents. Hope it's not the chicken way out. On the other hand, if you honestly feel you are "lazy" maybe you need Yale to force you out of your state of inertia.</p>
<p>farmmom does have a point. but in the end you got to go with what you think is right for you. she makes a good point about travelling costs from one coast to the other and the fact you are really close to your family might make you want to stay in cali.</p>
<p>IF.. and its a big IF.. you can not decide and its April 30... you should go to your backyard (if you have one) take 2 pieces of paper and write down "Stanford" and "Yale" on each sheet of paper.</p>
<p>Get some ballons, fill them up with water and throw them in the air. Whichever paper gets wet the most will be the school you send your decision notice to.</p>