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Princeton or Cambridge?

Not sure whether this is the right place to ask, but I'll take my chances: I've been accepted to both, and I am wondering what to do. I actually have a stron inclination towards Cambridge, but all these wonderful resources about Cambridge on the internet make me sad :wink:

.

(Actually, that's a phenomenon I found out to be true in general: US universities are far better in proclaiming their "greatness" by providing extensive information about the university: videos, pictures, etc., etc. (I am also thinking about the MIT admission homepage: www.mitadmissions.org))

Anyway, anyone wants to share his opinion.

BTW, I applied for computer science (at Cambridge) and I don't think this would change at Princeton.

Reply 1

Danny_777

16

I would say Cambridge. It is, in many people's estimation, better than Princeton, and a hell of a lot cheaper.

Reply 2

shady lane

16

At undergrad they are basically neck and neck. Princeton has very few graduate students so the undergrads get all of the attention. So...pick the one you like the most.

Also UK posters--if money was an issue certainly he wouldn't be asking for this advice. For international students, the difference in cost isn't large.

Reply 3

CamRules

OP

Well, I'm EU, so it does make a difference. I've heard, however, that Princeton is generally quite generous, although I guess my parents earn too 'much' to qualify for a considerable financial aid award.

Reply 4

Isaiah Berlin

4

I agree with Shady, Princeton is probably the most similar top US university to Cambridge (or Oxford, for that matter).

At both places there's lots of attention on undergraduates and super high academic standards.

The differences are pretty obvious (3 v 4 years, tutorials v no tutorials, only CompSci vs Liberal Arts). No one can tell you which is better for you, you can just make a choice for yourself based on these differences, and know wherever you end up you'll get an awesome education.

Reply 5

sweet_fluffy_nuke

CamRules

Not sure whether this is the right place to ask, but I'll take my chances: I've been accepted to both, and I am wondering what to do

IMHO, for Computer Science, MIT > Princeton > Cambridge.

EDIT: I am not a comp sci student. So take this with a large lump of NaCl

Reply 6

CamRules

OP

Really? There's a thread on CC where many people say that Princeton's CS program is not very renowned. I thought that Cambridge CS is pretty decent.

Reply 7

georgecrabbe

3

They're both great, but Cambridge's greater.

Reply 8

Alan Smithee

Go to Cam first, then get a full scholarship for Princeton after. Or vice versa.

Reply 9

SunderX

14

I chose Cambridge, because afaik, they were among the ones who invented the first computers, and therefore they have more experience :P

Reply 10

sjuthani

6

If they're so neck-and-neck, maybe consider other factors- what's the accomodation like, food, social activities available? (I know next-to-nothing about Princeton BTW!)

Which college in Cambridge?

Reply 11

$Avatar for sTe\/o$

sTe\/o

16

CamRules

Not sure whether this is the right place to ask, but I'll take my chances: I've been accepted to both, and I am wondering what to do. I actually have a stron inclination towards Cambridge, but all these wonderful resources about Cambridge on the internet make me sad :wink:

.

(Actually, that's a phenomenon I found out to be true in general: US universities are far better in proclaiming their "greatness" by providing extensive information about the university: videos, pictures, etc., etc. (I am also thinking about the MIT admission homepage: www.mitadmissions.org))

Anyway, anyone wants to share his opinion.

BTW, I applied for computer science (at Cambridge) and I don't think this would change at Princeton.

Cambridge has a much better rep for computer sciences than Princeton, so personally I would go for Cambs. You also need to consider whether you'd like to study in America and have a liberal arts education - I think those factors are probably more important than reputation, as both unis have international prestige.

Reply 12

silver-rose

Hmm what do you guys say for NatSci? Physics? I have the same deal as well, offers at both Pton and Cambridge! Liberal arts, atmosphere, 3/4 years aside, do you guys have any differing opinions regarding physics?

Reply 13

hungry_hog

9

depends on whether you want to work in the UK or US after you graduate

Reply 14

silver-rose

haha from cc.com to facebook now to TSR. Lol

Reply 15

Eau

15

Well just know that you're so lucky to be able to choose between great universities! Both are so great? It's so frustrating right? But it seems like you love Cambridge - just go for it. I would personally go for Cambridge.

Reply 16

ukgea

6

Going on your username, I would say Cambridge. :wink:

Reply 17

CamRules

OP

It's really frustrating to choose between two great universities. I do think that Cambridge's CS program is stronger, but Princeton has its goods, too: I want to go to grad school in the states and I think attending Princeton for undergraduate makes things easier. There are so many things I love about Cambridge, though, and I think I'll better fit in there. So yeah, Cambridge is pretty definite.