<p>IMO, the eating club system at Princeton can be a big negative for middle class and minority students, but you may have a good experience. Also, you have to apply and be accepted into the Woodrow Wilson School and it is very selective. Would you be OK with your Princeton experience if that doesn’t work out for you? Do you care about the sports scene? Stanford football and its other top athletic programs really do contribute to school spirit. My S went to Dartmouth (similar to Princeton in size, undergraduate focus, and Ivy athletics) and my D is at Stanford. After visiting his sister, S now says he regrets not choosing a school with a better sports program. He didn’t think he’d care, but loved the fun and excitement of the Stanford campus.</p>
<p>I’d agree that Princeton’s environment seems to be a little more stressful, based on what I’ve seen from living close to campus and knowing students there. Your mileage may vary.</p>