<p>I’m a Yale alum but was at Stanford often b/c of a GF. She was from CA so chose Stanford over Yale and other Ivies. When I would go to visit, I enjoyed the campus and was wildly envious of the weather and some of the near amenities of N California but that was about it. I felt my undergrad experience was far superior (my opinion only) to hers. Specifically (and others have mentioned this), the social aspect where I was easily able to form a large circle of life-long friends was very common at Y. Outside the greek system at Stanford, I didn’t see this as readily. Yalies are known for their over the top loyalty to “mother Yale”. Stanford grads don’t seem (to me) to exhibit as much raw enthusiasm. Perhaps it’s the “duck” syndrome someone mentioned for CA folks. I dunno.</p>
<p>I think the major issues: academic offerings, overall excellent institutional support – are on par. I think now you’re in the nice situation to see what “soft” issues you value more as a person. For me, I’m hugely social so Yale’s offerings sated me well.</p>