<p>I'm just finishing my junior year of HS. Currently, I'm trying to decide between applying SCEA to Stanford or Yale. I'm planning to follow a biology-related major. I'm passionate about science, have been working in a lab for the past couple years, and would definitely like to continue that. I'd like to take into account where I would get more individualized attention/opportunities; currently I have a very close relationship with my professor and I really value that aspect. </p>
<p>I'm interested in other subjects on the side, as well. I'm definitely interested in participating in a lot of extracurriculars and I enjoy the humanities. I like the idea of a liberal college town. I'm a social person and want to spend a lot of time making friends, going to parties, having fun etc. </p>
<p>One thing I like about my town currently its safeness and comfort, especially at night. And I'm from the midwest, so both places are equally distant. </p>
<p>So I was wondering if anyone had any kind of comment on where I would fit in better, or just anything at all to add. I understand there are other threads about these things, and I have read them, but I thought it would be nice to get some input based on my specific criteria. </p>
<p>Thanks a lot!</p>
<p>Which do you like more? That’s the one to apply early to.</p>
<p>Both Stanford and Yale are top in biology. What area of biology are you interested in? In general, Stanford tends to be ranked ahead of Yale in biology and all the sub-disciplines, but I don’t think the difference in quality is that great. If you’re passionate about science, I think Stanford might be better, given that there is a much stronger culture of science (though lots of social science/humanities/arts students as well) and given that biology is one of the most popular majors. I’d also say Stanford has a much more extensive set of bio-related facilities and probably offers a greater *variety *of opportunities.</p>
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<p>That said, you’d definitely be “saturated” with opportunities at either school and likely happy with both of the bio offerings, but Stanford probably has the edge for the variety of opportunities.</p>
<p>The other criteria you point out are not very different between the two. Neither would give you more personalized attention. Both are ranked at the top of most humanities disciplines. Both offer plenty of extracurricular activities (nearly 700 student groups at Stanford). Both offer great social scenes.</p>
<p>In terms of town safety/comfort, Palo Alto definitely wins over New Haven, esp. since the Stanford campus is distinctly isolated from the city.</p>
<p>Based on your post, it seems you need to do more searching and exploring each of your options. Once you do that, you’ll know which one you should apply to early.</p>