Princeton vs Stanford for Math

Sesquipedalian4
Fri, 01 May 2015 04:23:55 +0000

I’ve narrowed down my choices to these two schools, which is good because I have less than 24 hours to decide where to attend.

I’m primarily interested in pure mathematics, but I also like theoretical economics and computer science. Financial aid is almost identical between the two schools. I attended both schools’ admit weekends, and here’s what I’ve concluded so far:

Princeton:
Pros:
- Top ranked mathematics and economics departments
- Heavy emphasis on theory
- Undergraduate focus
- Smaller campus and population

Cons:
- Extensive distribution requirements (especially 3 semesters of a foreign language)
- Inability to double major/minor in economics or computer science (though certificates slightly help with this)
- Downward trend in Putnam performance (is this just random or a sign of something bigger?)
- Marginally inferior computer science department
- In the words of a Stanford student: "most hate it, some like it, but nobody loves it"

Stanford:
Pros:
- Top ranked computer science department
- Flexibility with majors/minors
- Slightly easier distribution requirements
- Happier students

Cons:
- Greater emphasis on applications
- Grater focus on graduate students
- Larger campus and population
- Marginally inferior mathematics department

I know I’m heartily nitpicking with most of these, but there are few non-nitpicking ways of distinguishing them. I don’t really have a preference with things like the weather or location that people will often cite for why they chose one school over the other. If you could quell or corroborate any of my concerns, that would be greatly appreciated.