<p>Hey guys!!! New user around here. So I'm an international student from Pakistan hoping to apply to either Stanford or Princeton on SCEA. I'm still confused as to what to do with myself, but I'm interested in majoring in either EE, ME, physics, or English. Now I'm confused as to where, because there are aspects of both universities that I find absolutely endearing. I know that there isn't much academic difference between the two for my chosen fields (except that Stanford probably has the upper hand in Engineering). I love the campus at Princeton, absolutely breathtaking, while Stanford seems only able to boast of its Palm Drive, the Oval, and the Quad. On the other hand, Stanford has quite the laid back atmosphere, the friendly people, along with the sunny weather in California, while I've heard that Princeton is deathly cold and the environment is extremely competitive and rigorous to the point of being cutthroat. Princeton's professors are legendary (I mean, John Nash, COME ON), but I'm worried about the professors being arrogant. I know that the people at Stanford will be extremely friendly, but Princeton does have the better undergrad focus and apparently the classes a Stanford are huge and taught by TAs.
Now I want to go to a university where I fit in. I love the traditional values and the campus behind Princeton, but I do not wish to go to a community where no one is willing to help out the others because of the overly competitive spirit and everyone is way too arrogant. The post holiday exams are also a major turn off. I love Stanford's laid back attitude, and I've heard wonderful things about the people there, but I don't want to miss out on an amazing undergrad learning experience that Princeton might have to offer.
So basically, I want to know where I can fit in. I know that I'm a humble, nice guy who will help others out. I like a challenge and I'm up for Princeton's academic rigor, but I have no wish to be a part of a snooty, depressingly cutthroat environment. Then again, is there really THAT much of a difference between Stanford's and Princeton's undergrad programs?
So can anyone please validify aforementioned claims and rumours? I'd also really appreciate if people can help point out where I can fit in and tell me the pros and cons along with the characters, attitudes and environments of both universities.
Thanks!</p>
<p>Much of what you are saying is based on stereotypes an isn’t actually true with regards to Princeton. In fact, professors there regularly remind students to “check their privilege”. As for Stanford, I don’t know who lied to you, but Stanford does not have a laid back atmosphere. Though it is in California, the rigor of the curriculum at Princeton and Stanford is probably the same. Also, can you be full pay?</p>
<p>Also, Princeton isn’t deathly cold. It actually really isn’t even that bad.</p>