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<p>I have a few different takes on this. On the one hand, it’s true that there are more people with social issues at Tech than at other places. At Princeton it would be easy never to run into a dorky/socially clumsy person. And I’ve sometimes been disappointed by the relatively small number of people who are really impressive scholars of history/literature/etc. at Caltech. In that sense, Princeton wins. On the other hand, there are houses at Caltech whose defining features are being “mainstream” or “normal” – i.e. not having this overly strong Caltech personality. Indeed, dorkiness, etc. are looked down on. So in this sense, you can get this same experience.</p>
<p>Still, I think Caltech is basically a place such that if, after prefrosh weekend, you’re not absolutely sure it’s “home” for you, then you should go to Princeton (assuming you don’t hate it when you visit). The girls (and guys) at Princeton are an order of magnitude more attractive, the social life is very active (if a little perverse because of the eating clubs) and all but a very special group of undergrads would be a better fit there.</p>
<p>A few Princeton minuses that haven’t been mentioned. </p>
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<li>Faculty can be aloof, and often are.
I saw a sign on a prof’s door that said (I quote) “If the door is closed, do not knock; I am only available when it is open and during my office hours.” At Caltech no facutly member could get away with doing this. There’s no “law” but they would be very abusively jeered by other faculty, I think. I took some classes at Princeton and had other experiences where I definitely got the feeling that a professor was a big important person who really didn’t want to deal with undergrads (despite all the talk to the contrary).</li>
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<p>This is a thing where local (i.e. departmental) norms matter, so visit the department you’re interested in and see whether people strike you as friendly or aloof. Caltech is the friendliest campus I’ve ever been to, where the majority of professors will see you anytime without an appointment. It’s not because they’re such amazing people (some are former Princeton profs) but just because there are only 3 undergrads per faculty member.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Eating clubs make some people feel excluded/unworthy. Some clubs are still open only to those rich enough or well-enough connected, and that makes it feel to some like there’s a superculture you can’t be part of because of your background. I think some Jewish people feel a little uncomfortable at Princeton because of the atmosphere at least in some places. This is not a big deal for many Princeton students, but I knew several who were thinking of transferring out because of this… so make sure to talk to lots of people and ask specific questions about anything that might bother you. This might be less of an issue now that the university is moving away from the eating clubs (to alums’ great consernation).</p></li>
<li><p>Very little to do in Princeton proper. Have to take 1.5 hour train ride to New York or 1+ hour train ride to Philadelphia to find non-pathetic entertainment nightlife off-campus. I grew up near Princeton and always loved the town – it’s perfect for a nerd like me. There are lots of cute little coffee shops and bookstores and restaurants. But I don’t think it’s optimal for most college students – almost everything closes early and there are few or no good bars/clubs/college student hangouts. Princeton’s on-campus social life is great for many people, but make sure you know what the surrounding area is like.</p></li>
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<p>Caltech has Old Pasadena a short walk away, and that’s a lot of fun – a much more vibrant area than anything you’ll find near Princeton (people come from all over LA to hang out on Friday and Saturday nights). But if you’re considering a Cambridge school, Boston has both Princeton and Pasadena beat.</p>
<p>Good luck with your choice.</p>