<p>i think you made the right choice...princeton is better.</p>
<p>I dunno I just can't get over the buildings at Stanford. They lack the college feel that I am looking for...I would just feel like I'm in Cali and since I live in Texas, Mexican-themed buildings are nothing new. We've got lots of em. So the cool look of New England colleges is far more attractive.</p>
<p>Stanford is nice. I've been there a few times. I can't say it's that great, but then again I'm kind of bored of north california.</p>
<p>If someone told me they went to Columbia, I'd say "oh, this kid's smart". If someone told me they went to Stanford, I'd say "oh, this kid's smart". Damn you, CC.</p>
<p>I think that arguing over the relative prestige is the wrong way to look at college selection. Both schools are top notch academic instititutions where one can obtain a fabulous education. It's much more about match and fit and what is right for the individual student. </p>
<p>I happened to see some real Columbia apps and one kid, from the Midwest, had a passion for architecture and historical restoration which was clearly illustrated in his ECs and his essay. This kid was accepted to Columbia, and the adcom explained that it clearly made sense for him to go to CU, as any kid with his passion would find NYC (not Cali) a mecca. But an east coast kid might prefer to go to Stanford for that get away from home experience, or for a department that is particularly strong. If I wanted to study art history, I would be looking strongly at Columbia, because of the access to amazing museums. It's really about researching the departments and then deciding about the lifestyle aspects of college.</p>
<p>Ugh! The stuff that passes for informed opinion on CC sometimes is unbareble nonsense; "Columbia is not known internationally," and "Stanford is more prestigious." </p>
<p>Westchestermom has it right. An applicant has to decide what features of a particular college appeals to them and what things displease them. In this thread we have two of the premier universities in United States and a insecure 17-year old who can't make up his mind, therefore he/she has to trash one or the other. What rot. I would hope that the bulk of the incoming freshman class would have a broader and more fertile mind.</p>