<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 Stanford forum too... Anyway, I had always had Yale as a first choice and assumed 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>Yale has smaller classes, on average, than Stanford, and a stronger advisory framework. Yale's residential college system, in my opinion, is lightyears better than Stanford's housing system. Residential colleges build communities, and sponsor events and other cool things. Along with a few regular dorms, Stanford has theme housing, based on ethnicity and interests, and I for one am not a fan of that kind of self-imposed social segregation, although some really like it. You characterized Stanford as "really laid back" and "chill relaxed." Stanford certainly has a different feel to the East Coast schools, but my friend at Stanford (who, by the way, loves it) says that Stanford students are like ducks on the water. They look like they're just gliding along, not a care in the world, but they're paddling like crazy under the water. There's definately pressure to internalize your stress at Stanford, if that makes sense. New Haven is also a much better college town than Palo Alto. </p>
<p>In short, I say go with Yale. But I don't think you can go wrong with either.</p>
<p>I'm a student at Yale from the east coast, and I've got lots of friends here from the California who absolutely love it. Both schools are really incredible, but if those aspects of Yale which are truly unique and distinguishing: its residential system, its faculty's focus on undergraduates even within the framework of one of the world's great research universities, its student body's hyper involvement in everything from A to Z, and just the sheer happiness of its students, then you probably won't mind the undeniable fact that the weather in Palo Alto is far more pleasant. </p>
<p>Really, though, you can't go wrong, like you could with certain other nameless east coast schools.</p>
<p>Hey Makisupa, I am in the exact same situation as you. Deciding between Yale and Stanford...</p>
<p>I live about 80minutes from Stanford...and I've been there quite a few times for my own football Tournements, or to watch a Stanford game.</p>
<p>So, as of now, I am leaning towards Yale. Perhaps because I want something new...something different. </p>
<p>Both are great schools... Science may be better known at Stanford, but really at this level, all the science programs are outstanding... and Social Sciences are probably better at Yale. (Still Ill probably pick Yale even tho I will major in Chem)</p>
<p>USNews ranked Stanford #5 overall, tied with Duke, and MIT ... and Ranked Yale #3 ...if that means anything to you lol.</p>
<p>In my opinion... get away from California! See the world... go to school somewhere different. Thats what I'll likely end up doing, even tho I hate being cold hehe.</p>
<p>Hey Tupacalipse and Makisupa-
I am trying to make the same decision you guys are... I love Stanford but got deferred EA before being accepted and also really like Yale. Since I'm interested in social sciences, I know that Yale has better programs and I like their residential colleges also (plus Yale just has a ring to it). </p>
<p>But I can't get away from how much I love Stanford's campus and the weather- I think that the relatively mild winters and better weather create a better more relaxed atmosphere on campus. Plus I live on the west coast so I would be able to see more of my other friends (cuz they will all be on the WEst coast too)</p>
<p>I don't know what to do!!! I feel that Yale would be better for my future while college at Stanford may be more enjoyable for me... Plus I'm looking (more casually) at Harvard, Princeton and Duke, where I also got in...</p>
<p>I am going to the admit weekends for both- and if you guys are able I would recommend definitely doing that- because I think that it will give me a great handle on the schools.</p>
<p>Good luck in your decisions</p>
<p>Thanks everybody for your input. The way I see it is this. 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. And senioritis, I agree with you completely - I'm going to make an effort to go to both admit weekends to get a better feel for the schools. Ah, if only I had gotten into just one...</p>
<p>Maybe this may help someone...</p>
<p>Here is the first truly negative input I got about Stanford from someone posting in a Yahoo Amherst group I am in.</p>
<p>It compares Stanford/Yale/Amherst ...enjoy:</p>
<p>"Hm, well...my sister is currently a third-year at Stanford and although she loves it there and probably wouldn't trade it for anything she admits that her experience there is not because of Stanford but because of the people she's met. Plain and simple the administration sucks, hard. Just like many of the large big-name universities they ignore their undergrads and you simply don't get the best education possible. She's only met with an advisor once in her entire three years there and because of this she hasn't fulfilled a lot of the pre-reqs required for med school, and being in her third year, she realizes now that she's going to have to fufill those pre-reqs after she graduates at some community college or something. She's still undecided on whether or not she even wants to go to med school yet, but is considering getting a masters in sociology and staying an extra year. She hopes that while she's fulfilling her pre-reqs for med school she can get some kind of job (although i'm not sure what kind of job she can get with a masters in socio and a BA in hum bio) Along with this she has the usual complaints about large class-sizes, being taught by TAs many of whom can't speak english clearly, not having nearly enough professor contact, and etc.</p>
<p>As for Yale, it used to be THE dream school for me before I visited Amherst. (BTW, I'm ED, so of course my insight will be a bit biased, haha) I definitely didn't get the "feeling" from Yale. New Haven just isn't the nicest...or...safest of cities. haha. Along with this I imagine it comes with the same problems as other larger ivies with larger class sizes until you get into more specialized classes for your major. And plus, I'm not sure I could go to the same univeristy as George Bush. ;) "</p>
<p>I think for me now, the decision is closer between Yale and Amherst ...who knows tho. I'll continue to keep an open mind until I go ot the open houses.</p>
<p>Yeargh, I'm trying to decide between my top three: Yale, Princeton and Stanford. Dunno what to say. I'm visiting all three (never been to any of the colleges I applied to) in the next few weeks, and then I'll have approximately five hours after I get home from the airport on May 1st to decide where I want to spend the next four years of my life. </p>
<p>Never thought about where my absolute top choice would be before this because I never, EVER anticipated getting into even one of these schools, let alone multiple ones. It's... overwhelming.</p>
<p>I would think the answer would be obvious. I made Columbia, Harvard, and Yale, and picked Yale by far.</p>
<p>But of course, what you desire at the end of your stay helps dictate your choice. Good luck.</p>
<p>Amherst is an amazing school with a wealth of opportunities from the 5 college consortium. I've lived here my whole life and the town is incredible, Tupacalipse.</p>
<p>That said, I would choose Yale over Stanford in a heartbeat, if you want my two cents.</p>
<p>Oooooh, choose Yale! (<-- that's just so you know what my bias is going to be in this post :-P)</p>
<p>Makisupa - You say you're from SoCal, right? Quite honestly, Stanford isn't going to be that different of an environment. One of the reasons I turned down Stanford was that I wanted to experience something <em>different</em> (though I admit that I actually live in Palo Alto, so I have a bit of overexposure to Stanford). I've found that the East Coast is different (I think it would be hard to explain why, though), and I love it. I will probably move back to CA at some point after I graduate, but I wouldn't trade my time at Yale for anything. So, actually, the point of this is - if you want to expand your experiences of different people and places, go somewhere on the East coast (and then move back to CA later if you want, but take your new experiences with you). If you just want sun, go to Stanford :-P</p>
<p>Tupacalipse - Yes, sciences are better known at Stanford. That's true. At the same time, though, the fact that the science departments are a little smaller at Yale may be an advantage. I'm going to major in chem (probably. I have to declare by next year?), and I've found that the faculty, at least in the intro chem courses, are wonderful (and they're accessible. They love having students come visit during their office hours :-P). And the professor who's teaching my organic chemistry class this semester? Has actually convinced a lot of us that organic chemistry can be FUN, not torture! Wow.</p>
<p>Plus, yes, Stanford has the reputation that it doesn't treat its undergrads very well. And in my experience, Yale really does. I can't say anything about comparing class sizes or TAs between the two universities, since I'm obviously not attending both of them at the same time, and I'm sure that both schools will have a mixture of small and large classes (my chem lecture is 120; my german class is 5 people), but the professors are accessible, the advising system's pretty good, and the college masters and deans do a really good job of making sure students are happy with and enjoying their college experience.</p>
<p>This is just my two cents worth, though. I REALLY think you should visit both and see which one you're happy with. That's the best way to go.</p>
<p>I feel like the lone crusader here, but pick STANFORD. At the end of the day, you're going to get an amazing education at both schools, run the risk of having bad TA's (they're BOTH medium sized universities), and meet both awesome and weird ppl. Both schools are really nurturing and emphasize undergraduate education (unlike, one could say, Harvard). So, what sets these incredible institutions apart? LOCATION. Do you want beautiful fall foliage and budding blossomed springs for 2-3 months a year and then bitter cold icy weather the rest of the year in a city atmosphere where parties are not just in dorms but at clubs (not like NY clubs, but like "Toads" - seedy bar/clubs that are, in fact, fun in their own way) OR do you want 72 degrees, sunny, no humidity, all year round, with incredible sports games, and a very cohesive student body that generally stays on campus?</p>
<p>Either way you can't lose though, congrats on your acceptances.</p>
<p>Go to Stanford. The weather in California definitely beats those horrendously cold, artic winters at Yale. (I heard if you go out for a jog at subzero temperatures your lung's alveoli will be torn to shreds and you'll DIE a HORRIBLE and PAINFUL DEATH!!) Why take that risk at Yale? </p>
<p>I also heard that New Haven is a violent ghetto. Do you want to walk down the street, simply minding your own business, when some deranged crack junkie stabs you in the back?! And if that happens in the winter time, you'll have to decide between either getting stabbed and shot by the aforementioned crack junkie, or attempting to run away and suffer a ripped up lung from the arse-biting cold. </p>
<p>Go to Stanford and live dude. You're too young to die!</p>
<p>
[quote]
Do you want beautiful fall foliage and budding blossomed springs for 2-3 months a year and then bitter cold icy weather the rest of the year in a city atmosphere... OR do you want 72 degrees, sunny, no humidity, all year round, with incredible sports games, and a very cohesive student body that generally stays on campus?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Hah. First off, Yale does get cold, but it's not nearly as cold as most of the other east coast schools. Like Cornell. And that school in boston. A good pair of gloves and a warm jacket is all really need at Yale. Second, Stanford is NOT a sunny 72 degrees all year round. Yes, it does start to warm up much earlier in spring at Stanford than it does at Yale, but the weather in Palo Alto has its icky months too. The entire winter is just... gray. Personally, I like the snow in New Haven. More variety than Palo Alto's cold icky sludgy rain in December/Jan/Feb :-P (although maybe I'm just annoyed with that weather since I spent 18 years with it growing up). So yes, on average, Palo Alto is a heck of a lot warmer. But that doesn't mean it's paradise all the time.</p>
<p>Second, I don't think it's fair to imply that the Yale student body isn't cohesive/doesn't stay on campus. Yes, there are clubs in New Haven, and I suppose students do go to them, but most of the good parties are held on campus.</p>
<p>And then...</p>
<p>
[quote]
I also heard that New Haven is a violent ghetto. Do you want to walk down the street, simply minding your own business, when some deranged crack junkie stabs you in the back?!
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Okay. NO. Nobody wants to do that. But that's not going to happen to you at Yale. Yes, if you're out late at night, you should take a cell phone and/or call campus police to walk you back to your dorm. But honestly? They'll tell you to do that at any campus you go to. Yale is, unlike Stanford, a gated community - you can't get into any of the residential colleges without an ID - and the university has been doing a LOT to increase security in the past few years. Campus is safe, as long as you don't do anything stupid. New Haven itself does have its icky areas, but students hardly ever end up in those areas unless they're going as a group on a community service venture/etc. Really. Rooster08? That post was just waaay over the top, and I don't appreciate it.</p>
<p>I'm sorry. Stanford and Yale are both wonderful schools, and I don't mean to promote one over the other. I just feel like the above two posters made some very exaggerated statements, and (having lived in both New Haven and Palo Alto) I felt like I just needed to defend my school a bit.</p>
<p>So: yes, New Haven is colder than Stanford, but Palo Alto isn't a perfect-weather paradise all year long. And New Haven does have a reputation for being unsafe (I mean, come on. Compared to Palo Alto, anywhere is unsafe), but the Yale has, I feel, done a really good job of fixing their security problems and making students feel safe & protected.</p>
<p>Visit them both, see which you like. They'r both amazing schools. And wherever you end up, enjoy your college experience. :-D</p>
<p>And rooster08? If you want to raise legitimate concerns about weather and security in New Haven, please do so in a reasonable, objective, educated manner. Saying things like "you'll DIE a HORRIBLE and PAINFUL DEATH" is not giving a helpful, objective opinion, and it really doesn't help anybody.</p>
<p>Go to Yale.... Stanford is a boring mess.. not to mention TONS of Stanford alumni have told me they hated Stanford and regretted going there... </p>
<p>Just a word of caution though... im from Berkeley(yes.. the one across the bay).. not to mention they're the only school to reject me (they hate my H.S.).. so take my opinions with a grain of salt. CARDINALS SUCK! CAL WILL KEEP STOMPIN YOU FOR THE NEXT 4 YEARS! = D</p>
<p>I got into Yale and Stanford too, but the decision was simple for me: Yale. You have to recognize that the academics will not vary greatly, since the best professors work at both institutions and the value of education you recieve is really a product of your own effort. For that reason, I looked at the non-academic factors. Residential college program v. not. 300 years of tradition v. a little over 100. Beating the crap out of Harvard v. not getting to. </p>
<p>Stanford was my dream school for about 5 years and I find little fault with it. Only the appeal of Yale could have drawn me away from Palo Alto.</p>
<p>Danishkid, are you going to the Yale pizza party this Sunday?</p>
<p>well i agree with danishkid in saying that the academics are about the same so u need to focus on the community aspects of the college.</p>
<p>i live about 15 minutes from stanford, but ive never been to yale, so im just gonna give u the insight i have into stanford (i didnt apply there, too close to home, so im deciding btwn yale and gtown rite now)</p>
<p>i work at the on-campus jamba juice so i get to see a lot of the kids during school days and on weekends. the school is definitely very diverse, as i walk around the campus i see people of all races, speaking all kinds of languages. most of them seem friendly and genuinely happy (altho no1 really goes to jamba juice to sulk so that could be part of it). just the admissions process alone at stanford says a lot for its diversity, most ppl dont get in unless they truly stand out for something unique, not just test score. i dont kno the whole admissions process at yale because almost no1 from my school applied there, but i kno for us over the past couple years the only stanford acceptees we've had were a professional flamenco dancer, a star water polo player, and a very talented musician (all of whom had good academics too, btw).</p>
<p>i attended camps at stanford for several years (basketball and water polo), and after walking all around it i find stanford's campus is a bit too expanisve for me. u need a car definitely around there and in palo alto because as typical of the west coast the suburbs are a lot more spread out and have more strip malls than downtowns. </p>
<p>i can't say much for stanford's community, but they are as a whole very athletic, which is one thing u dont have at yale. stanford students are often extremely high acheivers in both academics and sports, they have amazing water polo, basketball, football, etc etc teams and facilities, so school spirit is really big there. every1 is always jogging or at the gym everywhere i go (they often come to jamba after so i see a lot of them, haha). </p>
<p>i personally just couldnt go there cuz its too much like home, i want to get away to a place where i can experience 4 distinct seasons, see different kinds of city structures (not so suburban), meet different kinds of ppl. sure that means leaving the "laid back" (i find it more pseudo-intellectual than laid back (not at stanford)), but i even if i have to adjust to a more competitive east-coast mentality, a different climate, a different culture, i think ill be the better for it.</p>
<p>so i say visit both and go with ur gut instinct. but i also recommend getting out of california and seeing something different. reallly, this is the only chance in ur life u get to go out there and live somewhere entirely new, try a different place/culture/lifestyle without having to worry about all the pressures and responsibility of surviving entirely on self-generated income.</p>
<p>reallly, this is the only chance in ur life u get to go out there and live somewhere entirely new, try a different place/culture/lifestyle without having to worry about all the pressures and responsibility of surviving entirely on self-generated income.</p>
<p>--</p>
<p>besides grad schools and such? but whatever, i shouldn't really talk - i'm a NYer and am going to Stanford for a change of scenery, so maybe if you're from CA, Yale is the right place for you</p>
<p>well i dont know about you but i dont think my parents plan on paying for grad school....</p>
<p>so if im going to go to grad school im going to be paying my own way, taking out loans, all that, with a lot more stress, probably a part-time job, so yes i do see it as the last time i can do this on my parents dime and i feel like if they're going to be paying that much i shouldnt just stay here, i should get a change of scenery</p>