Hi everyone,
Realizing that final admission decisions are due tomorrow at midnight, I am completely torn between attending Harvard and Stanford. My firm goal is to help design and build a quantum computer, but each school has a large diversity of pros and cons. I am planning on dual majoring/concentrating in theoretical physics and computer science and am originally from Washington state. I would love some additional perspectives on which school would be the better match for me given the following thoughts:
Harvard Pros:
-Excellent quantum computing research group led by Mikhail Lukin. History of several cutting-edge innovations in recent years, including the use of carbon-12/13 crystals with nitrogen vacancy centers for entanglement. Possibility for undergraduate research in that lab for three years.
-More theoretical approach to physics (I am interested in theoretical physics, not applied physics).
-Option to cross-register for specific classes at MIT (excellent quantum physics courses by acclaimed professors, for example).
-U.S. News: Slightly higher rank in CS/physics (CS: #2 Harvard, #3 Stanford; Physics: #4 Harvard, #6 Stanford). The Shanghai ranking has completely different rankings though, so I am not sure if this is accurate.
-#1 ranked university internationally, very well-known and reputable. As a result, attracts arguably the most brilliant peer-group in the world, particularly international students with absolutely incredible achievements.
-Situated right in Boston, adjacent to tens of thousands of college students. Many of my closest friends are currently attending college in Massachusetts.
Harvard Cons:
-Somewhat bleak, dreary landscape. I visited both schools and can honestly admit that I preferred Stanford’s campus and atmosphere to Harvard’s 1000 to 1. I am from the Pacific Northwest, and so far don’t feel comfortable in an urban setting. Would probably get used to it quickly though. Coming from near Seattle, I am used to lots of rain though!
-No options to dual major. I would be able to concentrate in either physics or computer science, but could only earn a full major in one subject.
-Perhaps would be a better choice for graduate school, especially since I am considering earning an MBA/attending graduate school there.
Stanford Pros:
-Beautiful campus, fun atmosphere, vibrant community, incredible weather. I love outdoor activities and would be in heaven being able to go windsurfing, hiking, sailing, and to the beach occasionally. However, I realize that Harvard has many of these activities also - plus more skiing!
-Overall, I feel that I would be much happier and have more fun at Stanford as an undergraduate.
-Opportunity to dual major in computer science and physics. This means that I would have a separate degree and strong background in both fields, something that Harvard does not offer.
-Possibility of ‘coterming’ and earning a graduate degree in either computer science or theoretical physics in five years. Plus, my year of graduation would be 2020 instead of 2019! : D
Stanford Cons:
-Not many opportunities for quantum computing research. Although some work on quantum computing is being done by Patrick Hayden and Leonard Susskind, there does not seem to be a dedicated lab and it does not seem like there have been any major advances in recent years.
-Ranked slightly below Harvard in computer science and physics - not sure whether this small difference (according to U.S. News) matters much though.
Other factors that are not swaying my decision one way or the other:
-Stanford is much closer to home, and I would be able to visit probably 3x more per year than Harvard.
-Stanford is known for being a bubble with limited access to San Francisco.
-Quarter vs. semester system: I realize that I would be able to take a greater diversity of classes at Stanford, but would have to take midterms/finals 1.5 times as frequently.
-Both school have the same financial aid (basically a full package).
-Both school have the most incredibly accomplishing, interesting people that I have ever met.
-Harvard sorts students into a single house in their sophomore year, while Stanford allows students to choose new housing every year. Harvard guarantees freshman housing together, while Stanford has that option but does not guarantee it.
TL;DR: I am completely divided between Harvard and Stanford. I want to help build and design a quantum computer. Harvard has far superior quantum computing research opportunities, but I think I would have much more fun at Stanford. Both schools have very comparable computer science/theoretical physics programs. How to decide?
Thank you very much for any additional perspectives or advice. I am feeling so torn between these two incredible universities and want to make sure that I make a decision that I will be confident in for the next four years. Also, just to confirm, I can submit my final decision tomorrow, on May 1 - right?