<p>(Cross-posted in Princeton forum) So I know you guys are tired of these threads, but they are actually immensely helpful. </p>
<p>I was lucky enough to have been admitted to both of these schools, and now have the pleasure of deciding between them. They were my top two choices going into the process and coming out, so it's a particularly tough job.</p>
<p>Here's my analysis so far:</p>
<p>At Yale, I'd probably major in either Applied Mathematics or Economics & Mathematics, and would consider picking up a second major in Ethics, Politics, & Economics. At Princeton, I'd major in Operations Research Financial Engineering, and hopefully get a certificate in Woody Woo. </p>
<p>The environment at the two schools are also slightly different. While both have collegiate gothic architecture and are breathtakingly beautiful, Princeton's in Princeton and Yale is in New Haven. While this means Princeton is in a more secluded, safe area than crime-ridden New Haven, it also means that Yale is set in a more realistic setting. Yale also happens to lean farther left than Princeton, which has a reputation of being more snotty. That being said, I come from an area that is demographically very similar to that of Princeton's, and it wouldn't bother me, it just probably wouldn't have the same effect on me as Yale would.</p>
<p>I've done my research. I can tell you about Yale's residential colleges and Princeton's eating clubs (Well, of course. I'm on CC. How can I not know?). I can tell you that Princeton's mathie departments are generally stronger than those at Yale. I can tell you about Princeton's lack of professional schools and thus subsequent undergraduate focus, and about how Yale's professional schools provide additional resources. </p>
<p>What I'm looking for is... ambiance. Things that aren't neccessarily facts and figures. Anecdotes are welcome. Thoughts are welcome. Connotations are welcome. Rorshack- let's not get that far off track. </p>
<p>I live pretty close to both, so I’ll probably be driving there Sorry for not being able to help. I might be taking the train(amtrack) if my family’s situation works out, so if you need a train buddy, I’m here. :)</p>
<p>It really is unfortunate that grade deflation and elitism have hurt the undergrad exp at Princeton. Hopefully they can pull it together before they fall futher…</p>
<p>i struggled with the same problem last year and have never regretted my decision to choose yale. i went to both admit weekends and loved them both. it came down to personal factors. the people i met at princeton were all super nice and friendly, but i still couldn’t get rid of the preppy rich kid vibe, especially with the eating clubs. yale people seemed more laid-back and chill, and less stressed out about grades, i think the absence of a grade deflation policy helps. i was looking for a school where people could be academically intense when needed, but also knew how to relax and have a good time, and yale is that place for me. i love the residential college system here…everyone talks about it because it’s just that amazing. princeton has this too, but it’s not the same. i also happen to like new haven, as much as people give it a bad rap. i don’t think i’d have the same opportunities to volunteer in a free clinic for illegal immigrants and get involved in a homelessness advocacy group in princeton, nj. plus since i’m pre-med i can easily go and volunteer at yale-nh hospital and do research at the med school. these were just some of the things that influenced my decision. the thing is, you would be happy in both places, go to both admit weekends and see where you feel more at home.</p>
<p>Ha, I was really turned off by the flurry of comments for the DP article. My friend says that the grade deflation sucks, but you “learn to deal with it.” We’ll see, we’ll see.</p>
<p>Wow. That Daily Princetonian article is ridiculous. I know that P didn’t seem like the most fun place in the world but I had no clue that people were so unhappy at such a top school. All of the upperclassmen seem totally disenchanted. That’s really sad.</p>
<p>"
Okay, I don’t know where to say this, but since half the school is reading this thread I’ll just post and hope the relevant person reads this and gets the message.</p>
<p>When sitting in precept, for God’s sake, DO NOT take off your shoes. Your feet/socks smell like crap. I realize you might not be able to smell it, but there’s no reason the rest of us should have to suffer.</p>
<p>Please, have an iota of decency and respect for others. You’re not on the beach.</p>
<p>Sincerely,
the person sitting next to you"</p>
<p>bahahahah, wow, that’s some good bathos right there</p>
<p>Princeton is not elitist or snobby.
There are preppy people, but the “alternative/hipster/artistic” crowd isn’t hiding either. One of my roommates has 3 tattoos, a lip piercing, and hails from Mississippi. I personally have a very large collection of brightly colored tights, high waisted skirts, scarves, and strange jewelry. The winner of the 2009 Daniel M. Sachs Class of 1960 Graduating Scholarship has a mohawk and is a freegan vegan. Actually. The stereotype does not permeate throughout the student body, I promise.
We are just as liberal as Yale, although probably less confrontational.
If you want volunteering opportunities, I promise you there are enough deserving and underprivileged people in Princeton, or in nearby Trenton.
Also, Princeton students definitely have fun. Just saying.
And I have never met anybody that sounded half as angry with Princeton as the people on that DP thread. They either don’t go here, or they’re getting internet-worked-up, but really don’t hate the school. The vast majority of the students here have an undying love for the place. It’s hard to explain, but I really do understand the devotion that grads have.</p>
<p>I’m not very familiar with Yale so I can’t offer you much advice. It’s also an amazing school with lots to offer you.</p>
<p>It really comes down to your personal preferences. The fish are just as large (and awesome) at both, but what size pond best fits you? And while the professional schools at Yale may offer resources, there is also something to say about the absolute focus on the undergraduate at Princeton.</p>
<p>Try to visit both, I’m sure they have very different feels. Let the campuses speak to you.</p>
<p>I’m a Princeton grad, and the mother of a current Yalie. IMO, the two biggest differences between the schools are their locations and the presence/absence of eating clubs. Are you more comfortable in bucolic suburbia, or a small and somewhat gritty city? The advantage of the former is that it’s a very relaxed environment. The advantage of New Haven is that it gives you more close-by opportunities for volunteering: [Dwight</a> Hall: Center for Public Service and Social Justice](<a href=“http://www.dwighthall.org/]Dwight”>http://www.dwighthall.org/). </p>
<p>If you’re interested in theater (either participating or attending), that scene is more vibrant at Yale than at Princeton. And the pizza (at Pepe’s) is the best on earth. :)</p>
<p>Also, think about the senior thesis requirement at Princeton. It’s a huge part of your experience there, and for some people that’s a draw, for others a drawback. </p>
<p>The eating clubs at Princeton do set the social life for much of campus, and for some people that’s great (I had a terrific time at my non-bicker club), for others it can be off-putting. Yale is a somewhat more exciting campus, as Grafton’s article captures well, but there is certainly plenty to do at Princeton. </p>
<p>One area where you can’t beat Princeton is alumni loyalty. We do Reunions like no one else! In any event, both are outstanding places to go to college - you are very fortunate to have such a choice. Let us know what you decide.</p>
<ol>
<li>Princeton has been ranked #1 in the nation, in eight of the past ten years, by US News.</li>
<li>Princeton was ranked #1 by Forbes last year.</li>
<li>In the only Atlantic Monthly university ranking of this decade Princeton ranked ahead of Yale.</li>
<li>In “Untangling the Ivy League” (2008) Princeton ranked ahead of Yale academically.</li>
<li>Yale’s own College Guide Book, put out by Yale student editors, recognized Princeton was the better place for undergrad focus. See</li>
</ol>
<p>“Insider’s Guide to the Colleges” (2008) - (An annual college guide publication written by Yale’s Daily News Staff Editors). The publication lists Princeton as the top school for undergraduate attention/focus. Left out of the running was Yale itself. </p>
<p>Amazon.com: The Insider’s Guide to the Colleges, 2008: Students on Campus Tell You What You Really Want to Know, 34th Edition: Yale Daily News Staff: Books</p>
<p>Exactly. There’s no substitute for a visit, where you can talk to students and really get a feel for which place you’d fit in better. When talking about any of the top-tier universities in this country, it’s rarely a case of one being “better” than the other, but rather where you could see yourself thriving on all sorts of levels for four years.</p>
<p>First, the Princeton Review and Princeton are unaffiliated. The former just liked the name. Your Forbes logic makes no sense. Princeton was #1 in US News eight of the last ten years and the owner of that magazine has a Harvard degree.<br>
Princeton students are the more highly prized. This is most evident when they graduate.</p>
<p>Princeton Grads Lead Ivies In Starting Salaries </p>
Sorry for not being able to help. I might be taking the train(amtrack) if my family’s situation works out, so if you need a train buddy, I’m here. :)</p>