Princeton versus Stanford for a humanities major

[Anonymous]

P offers the potential for an extraordinary education but more rigor (less grade inflation). Mixed reports on social scene due to unique eating club structure.

From what we hear the overall environment at S far favors CS/STEM, but that probably means better faculty attention for those willing to swim against the tide. Believe it is generally easier to get a higher GPA. Many reports that the school’s fun culture has been damaged by poor administration decisions.

Kid is considering business or law school down the road, so GPA something of a factor. We know the campuses, weather and environments are very different, but more curious about the above. Seen some helpful thoughts on the board recently, particularly about Princeton, so hoping for some insight.

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Whichever is closer to your home.

[Anonymous]

S>P

[Anonymous]

I would probably pick Princeton but why not have kid visit both and go with the best vibe.

[Anonymous]

I'd choose Stanford because I'd rather be on the West Coast.

I mean you can parse it down all you want, but it boils down to where your kid would prefer to spend 4 years. Go visit and let them decide - they've earned it.

[Anonymous]

Kid has been to both and still not sure. Heading back!

[Anonymous]

Based on your description, I would pick Stanford. Much easier to get internships with the startup down the street even for a humanities kid, and that is more important than undergrad GPA for business school.

I am not sure I would draw any conclusions on a humanities kid getting any special interest because the school is so STEM/CS focused.

[Anonymous]

Princeton STEM alum and absolutely loved my humanities classes(ironically I don’t have any warm and fuzzy feelings towards my STEM classes haha). I took a bunch of upper level history classes where there were around 5-10 students with legendary tenured profs. The experience in those classes was absolutely incredible and I feel that the things I learned were central to my growth as a person.

There are so many opportunities like this in Princeton humanities where you can take all of your upper level classes in small intimate settings with profs at the top of their field and who really care about your learning. I didn’t have a pleasant experience at Princeton overall but that’s overwhelmingly due to my STEM classes. For humanities, I think it’s a lovely place to be, possibly the best in the country.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Kid has been to both and still not sure. Heading back!

Reassure DC there's no wrong answer. When my kid a few years ago was agonizing over which of 2 great schools to go to -- on April 30, no less - we flipped a coin. When it came down for one school, my kid realized he'd rather go to the other. And that's how he decided.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Princeton STEM alum and absolutely loved my humanities classes(ironically I don’t have any warm and fuzzy feelings towards my STEM classes haha). I took a bunch of upper level history classes where there were around 5-10 students with legendary tenured profs. The experience in those classes was absolutely incredible and I feel that the things I learned were central to my growth as a person.

There are so many opportunities like this in Princeton humanities where you can take all of your upper level classes in small intimate settings with profs at the top of their field and who really care about your learning. I didn’t have a pleasant experience at Princeton overall but that’s overwhelmingly due to my STEM classes. For humanities, I think it’s a lovely place to be, possibly the best in the country.

This was so helpful. Thank you.

[Anonymous]

Whichever (if either) school accepts, attend.

[Anonymous]

Went to P in humanities. It’s great but very much what you make of it. I did not form any relationships with professors in my major (I.e,, it’s not the SLAC experience) though I got to know some through an interest.

I would choose based on what you like/fit. It doesn’t really matter one way or the other.

[Anonymous]

Stanford really values money rn. I mean the student population. They were one of few colleges - only top college - that let Juul recruiters on (supported by students).

[Anonymous]

princeton hands down

[Anonymous]

Grad schools know which schools inflate or deflate GPAs. More likely to getter a “better” education at Princeton. Visit both and go with the one where the kid gets a better vibe.