Where should I go for undergraduate study?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision-making process for a high school senior who has been accepted to Harvard, Princeton, and MIT, with a focus on undergraduate experiences in physics and related fields. Participants share their insights and personal experiences regarding these institutions.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Personal experiences
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant highlights the contrasting environments at MIT and Harvard, noting that MIT tends to challenge students more rigorously, while Harvard may foster a more inflated sense of achievement.
  • Another participant suggests that the geographical settings of the universities differ, with Princeton being in a smaller town compared to the larger urban environments of MIT and Harvard.
  • A participant expresses a personal preference for MIT based on the original poster's intended focus, while also acknowledging Princeton as a strong option.
  • There is a general sentiment that any of the three universities would provide a valuable education, and the decision may come down to personal preference after visiting each campus.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that all three institutions are excellent choices, but they express differing opinions on the environments and experiences at each university. No consensus is reached on which university is definitively better.

Contextual Notes

Participants' views are based on personal experiences and perceptions, which may not encompass the full range of undergraduate experiences at each institution. Individual preferences and expectations may significantly influence the decision-making process.

Who May Find This Useful

High school students considering undergraduate studies in physics or related fields, as well as those interested in the cultural and academic environments of prestigious universities.

Sferics
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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.
 
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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)
 

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