Click here to go to the NEW College Discussion Forum

Since both have converted to single-choice EA (not that it would've mattered too much, since they were formerly just ED), I have to pick one to apply early to. This is a very difficult decision, as both are very closely tied for first place.

I need a little help deciding which one I should send my early application to.

So, what I'm looking for:
* Theatre (non-major related participation)
* Equestrian programs (since I know both have one, what are their comparative strengths?)
* Location (Palo Alto I know fairly well because I grew up around there, but what about New Haven?)
* Weather (I'm guessing Stanford easily has the upper hand here)

And more academic admissions:
* Higher percentage of ED acceptances?
* SAT or ACT (preferablly ACT) averages?
* Average GPA?

Academia:
* Stronger undergrad psychology program?
* Stronger liberal arts in general?
* Honors designations?
* Overall undergrad experience?

Any experiences from other applicants? Any ideas from people who've visited? I'll get a chance to see Stanford first-hand this summer while I take courses there, but there's very little chance I'll get to see Yale unless I get accepted.

Statistically speaking (ie, numbers only), if my grades aren't 4.0, 1600/36, 2400 SAT II, but something closer to 3.8, 1280/34, 2170 would I have a better chance applying to Stanford or Yale early?

And a small note: I *WILL* end up applying to both, I'm just trying to strategize my early application.

By Rowan (Rowan) on Monday, May 26, 2003 - 08:28 pm: Edit

BUMP!

By Concerned (Concerned) on Wednesday, May 28, 2003 - 09:39 am: Edit

Similar question....4.2 weighted; 3.95ish unweighted; 1320 combined/30 (should I take ACT again?...hardly improved when SAT retaken); SAT IIs to be retaken....Coming from Alabama (no banjo, but good Extra Curricular activities)...realize both are longshots, but is one or the other less long .. especially if EA is used? Visited both as didn't expect to test quite so poorly as PSAT qualified for at least Commended Status.

By Dschnapps (Dschnapps) on Saturday, May 31, 2003 - 04:35 pm: Edit

Well to answer Rowan's question about weather and location, Stanford EASILY has the upper hand in both.

Yale is cold and snowy much of the time, pretty miserable, although it can be nice. Stanford has typical Bay Area weather, even a little more sunny than most of the Bay Area.

Also, Stanford is couched in a nice area near Palo Alto, one of the nicest communities in California.

Yale is in the ghetto, for lack of a better word. My friend's dorm is in between a Shell Station and a Popeye's, and homeless people sometimes come in their dorm.

ACT:

Stanford and Yale = 28-33

By Dschnapps (Dschnapps) on Saturday, June 07, 2003 - 12:27 am: Edit

Rowan, what are you leaning towards right now, and what are your thoughts on each?

By Thedad (Thedad) on Saturday, June 07, 2003 - 12:58 am: Edit

From what I've heard, Yale is uniformly regarded as a good place for undergraduate education. Stanford has received a split verdict, with some saying it's much better for grad schoo, that undergrad there is overrated.

Fwiw.

My D plans on applying to both but EA at Yale.