<p>Regarding the so-called “waitlist stigma” – it’s completely foreign to me. Why? Because I never knew anyone’s admit status (ED (what they had back then), RD or RD off of WL). It never came up. Every one of my roommates could have been early admits and I never would have even known it. Once on campus, no one cares – *how admitted, SATs, GPA or class rank *-- it all fades into nothingness. Really.</p>
<p>There used to be a FA stigma when only a small slice of the students rec’d aid but given that about 65% of kids are on FA, that also has faded.</p>
<p>My son had this choice and ultimately chose Brown. Yale had been his first choice for a long time and if they had admitted him SCEA, I think he would have gone there. By the time April rolled around, he had spent time on more campuses and learned a bit more about himself. While MANY people gave him a hard time about his choice, citing that Yale is more prestigious, he realized that had no bearing on HIS decision. He simply felt Brown offered a better opportunity (PLME) for him.</p>
<p>He had spent time at Yale on numerous occasions and clearly has a high opinion of Yale. For HIM, Brown was the right choice. Brown’s open curriculum and less credits needed for graduation have been a real positive, allowing him to pursue many interests rather stress free (without taking cores he has no interest in). He’s been thoroughly enjoying his undergrad years while gettting ready for med school. He has friends at other Ivies, including Yale. They say that Brown students seem less stressed and less competitive than at their schools but don’t necessarily see that as a good thing. </p>
<p>Just to set the record straight, Greek is a very SMALL part of Brown’s social life. Perhaps the poster confused Brown with Dartmouth or another school. Very few kids (mostly football team) are in frats. Don’t choose Brown for its Greek scene.</p>
<p>My son speaks highly of Yale and has recommended Yale to friends. I truly believe he would have been happy at either school. Both offer tremendous opportunites and yes, Yale does seem richer (in all ways). As for student body, I will say everyone I came in contact with was extremely friendly and down to earth. My son did an overnight in a suite and commented that he didn’t quite fit in, that all 5? suitemates were very wealthy. He also was impressed with how accomplished they were (one spoke 5 languages).</p>
<p>You are very lucky to have this choice. You really can’t go wrong. As for FA, Yale was more generous. We spoke with Brown about Yale’s offer. After taking another look, Brown offered a better FA pkg, which made it possible for my son to attend.</p>
<p>I am on the waitlist for Brown and really, really want you to choose Yale. In fact, anyone else on the fence between Brown and another school really should choose that other school… jk Congratulations on a couple of amazing choices.</p>
<p>I am familiar with both colleges and love them both. I’d suggest that you sit down with the course catalogs for both and try to plan out your course work for at least the first year and read the descriptions of the courses and the requirements for the subjects you think you might want to major/concentrate in. </p>
<p>I think you’ll find that the courses offered, the focus of those courses, and the requirements for the majors/concentrations at the two schools vary quite a bit, especially in the public policy/economic fields. Add the fact that Yale has distribution requirements and Brown does not. For most people, those differences might not matter. For others, they can be crucial.</p>
<p>Also check out any ECs you are interested in. Figure out what the opportunities are in each and how likely you are to be able to participate. </p>
<p>There’s no real difference in accessibility to profs between them, IMO. Both are great schools and you have a wonderful choice. Do check out the descriptions of the courses in the subjects of itnerest to you and the requirements to take them.</p>
<p>Two excellent choices which I feel are closer in character than most other ivy combinations. On a recent tour of the Brown campus as a parent, I was struck by the very high percentage of upperclassmen who live off campus. You will not find this at Yale and this is reflective of the strong residential college system and the bonds that engenders. I would find this to be a more substantive difference than anything a “wealthier” Yale could provide since despite that huge endowment, Yale is still making budget cuts. Some may like moving off campus and cooking meals as a transition to the “real world”. With the exception of perhaps 20% of my Yale courses, my classmates provided me with more memories of the institution and I would have missed that with a largely off-campus upperclassmen environment. If your gut says “Brown” then go there as I’m sure other WL students would love that spot :).</p>
<p>Not for everyone. My daughter was extremely disappointed by Brown when she visited and decided not to apply. She loved Yale and is thrilled that she will be attending in the fall. Just one person’s opinion, of course.</p>
Congratulations on a couple of amazing choices.</p>