Where should I go for undergraduate study?

AI Thread Summary
A high school senior has been accepted to Harvard, Princeton, and MIT and is seeking advice on which university to choose, particularly for a major in physics with interests in math and computer science. The discussion highlights the significant differences between the institutions. MIT is described as a challenging environment that emphasizes hard work and resilience, while Harvard is characterized as more supportive and ego-inflating. Princeton is noted for its smaller town atmosphere, which contrasts with the urban settings of MIT and Harvard. The consensus suggests visiting each campus to gauge personal fit, with a recommendation leaning towards MIT for its alignment with the student's academic interests, although Princeton is also considered a strong option. Overall, the sentiment is that any choice among these prestigious universities would be a positive one.
Sferics
Messages
18
Reaction score
0
Hello!

I am a current high school senior fortunate enough to have been accepted to Harvard, Princeton, and MIT, and I am having trouble making a decision. Although I have not yet visited any of these schools, I plan to in the coming weeks.

A little about myself: I am interested in majoring in physics, while also taking a lot of math (and maybe CS?) courses along the way. As far as long term goals go, I think I would really like working for some technology company like Apple or Nintendo, although I imagine becoming a university professor would be enjoyable as well.

I understand that it would be unrealistic and foolish of me to ask any of you to choose for me. Instead, I am interested in hearing any of your experiences with these universities (particularly in respect to their undergraduate schools), what I can expect from each, your personal recommendations, etc.

Thanks in advance.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Sferics said:
I understand that it would be unrealistic and foolish of me to ask any of you to choose for me. Instead, I am interested in hearing any of your experiences with these universities (particularly in respect to their undergraduate schools), what I can expect from each, your personal recommendations, etc.

I have a lot of personal experience with MIT, and some experience with Harvard.

The big difference between MIT is that does everything it can to deflate your ego, whereas Harvard does everything it can to inflate your ego. MIT will make you work harder, and put you under more stress than you thought possible. It's a grinding, relentless place, but it can also be very caring and fun.
 
you can't really go wrong at anyone of those places. they are located in different towns. princeton in a small town, while mit and harvard are in the vicinity of a big town. you should just visit them all and see which one you like best. congratulations. you are asking essentially whether you should vacation in rome, bellagio, or florence.
 
If this is real, then first off congrats and I (and many other kids) would kill to be in your position...

I would go to MIT myself because of your intended focus, but Princeton would also be a fantastic place to spend your undergrad years (I would take Princeton over Harvard but that's just me)
 
I'm going to make this one quick since I have little time. Background: Throughout my life I have always done good in Math. I almost always received 90%+, and received easily upwards of 95% when I took normal-level HS Math courses. When I took Grade 9 "De-Streamed" Math (All students must take "De-Streamed" in Canada), I initially had 98% until I got very sick and my mark had dropped to 95%. The Physics teachers and Math teachers talked about me as if I were some sort of genius. Then, an...
Bit Britain-specific but I was wondering, what's the best path to take for A-Levels out of the following (I know Y10 seems a bit early to be thinking about A-levels, but my choice will impact what I do this year/ in y11) I (almost) definitely want to do physics at University - so keep that in mind... The subjects that I'm almost definitely going to take are Maths, Further Maths and Physics, and I'm taking a fast track programme which means that I'll be taking AS computer science at the end...
After a year of thought, I decided to adjust my ratio for applying the US/EU(+UK) schools. I mostly focused on the US schools before, but things are getting complex and I found out that Europe is also a good place to study. I found some institutes that have professors with similar interests. But gaining the information is much harder than US schools (like you have to contact professors in advance etc). For your information, I have B.S. in engineering (low GPA: 3.2/4.0) in Asia - one SCI...
Back
Top