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I'm trying to choose between Princeton and Yale for my early app school. While I realize that those are reaches for anybody, based on my grades, test scores, and extracurriculars as well as my school's acceptance history for students like me, I think that I have a fair shot at either of them. For example, i've got an unweighted 4.0, 1590 SAT, 800s on SATII Writing, Physics, Mol. Biology, and US History. My schedule is strictly Honors/AP, and I have 10 5's on AP exams (including Calc AB, English Lang, French Lang and Lit, American History, Biology, and Physics)
I've spent two weeks at Yale for an academic program that included seminars with Yale professors (including Paul Kennedy and John Lewis Gaddis) and was run by Minh Luong, a professor of International Security Studies. I know that I don't mind the reported appallingness of New Haven; I like that it has character and volunteering activities.
However, as a potential polisci or public policy major, focusing in international affairs, I think Princeton academically might be a better match in terms of the Wilson School. Also, I'm really interested in the Whig-Clio association. However, Princeton, NJ, is pretty dull as well as incredibly expensive. It reminds me a lot of my hometown (I'm from North Jersey), which isn't necessarily what I'm lookiing for in college.
I was hoping that somebody might have an insight into some useful differences between the schools that might help me make a decision. Thanks.

By Rocksolid4 (Rocksolid4) on Sunday, August 31, 2003 - 09:46 pm: Edit

Your decision between Yale and Princeton should not be based on academic prestige. Both Yale and Princeton will give you top notch polisci/public policy educations. Choose between them based on environment. It sounds like you prefer Yale's environment, so go with Yale.

By Sunshine916 (Sunshine916) on Sunday, August 31, 2003 - 10:26 pm: Edit

I'd have to say to go with Yale. at this level of schools, BOTH will give you an EXCELLENT education in ANYTHING. i would not suffer through unhappiness for a slightly better program. Yale has a great program as well and i assume you prefer the location. this is the next 4 years of your life...pick your best match, not the most prestigious program. yale is also early action-non binding-so u can apply Pton RD as well. good luck whichever way u go!

By 1214 (1214) on Wednesday, September 03, 2003 - 11:10 am: Edit

Go with Yale. Whig-Clio is awesome, but Yale's Debating Society is just as good - Int'l Model UN winner last year I think. It's an awesome policy school, and getting into a top notch grad/law program (Stanford, Harvard, Columbia) will be a cinch.

By Lki (Lki) on Sunday, September 07, 2003 - 10:05 pm: Edit

YAY IVY SCHOLARS!!!
This is luukas - who are you?

By Kimfuge (Kimfuge) on Tuesday, September 09, 2003 - 07:49 am: Edit

Yale is better. I personally prefer the residental colleges at Yale and Princeton's eating clubs don't sound that interesting. Just an opinion. Reputation-wise, they are exactly same, maybe Yale more for some conservatives.

By Gk06 (Gk06) on Saturday, October 25, 2003 - 11:23 am: Edit

so where you applying?