H vs S for Quant?

Hi, I am an admit to Harvard College who recently got off the waitlist to Stanford. In terms of aid, Stanford is about 8k$/yr less than Harvard, but this isn't too much of a difference. I don't have too much of a location preference because I am hyper-introverted and probably wouldn't take advantage of an urban environment vs a suburban environment. 

It seems that Harvard has a slight edge in brand name in the US, though Stanford is great too. Is there a difference in quant opportunities between Harvard and Stanford? I am seriously considering the choice of Stanford since I know that it has more practical, more well oiled CS program (which I am interested in studying), though I understand Harvard CS is great too. 

But if Harvard will grant more opportunities or impress employers slightly more than Stanford, I suppose I should stick with Harvard. Let me know what you think--thanks in advance.

 
Most Helpful

Both are top schools, so I would choose the school where you think you’ll be happier. Don’t discount how important it is to find the right place for you (culture, location, faculty, etc) - college can be a big change and it usually hits people harder than they expect. 
 

All that being said, the opportunities will be basically the same. Stanford a bit more on the pure tech side (and Silicon Valley jobs). Harvard has a slight edge in finance and I would also say a small edge in the math department. I wouldn’t have this be the deciding factor though. 

 

You can find opportunities recruiting at literally every company in the world by attending either of these schools. Choose where you think you will be happier & will fit in better, because that will have a tangible impact on your GPA & your drive during college. 

 

Harvard kids can register for classes at MIT. Very common and easy process. May move the needle for you. Also, Harvard has a larger premium on its brand name abroad, I’d say less so domestically.

 

Would've loved to have you with us in Cambridge. Regardless, at both schools students will get exposure to more resources/opportunities than they can possibly fully utilize. Enjoy that west coast life 

 

Brand name: zero difference in prestige, if any it is tiny.

Stanford hands down imo best all around school to go to. Amazing academics, amazing location and weather, and really solid sports programs. I know you said you are “hyper introverted”, but seeing as you haven’t yet had a year on a college campus yet I wouldn’t discount the social aspect of the respective schools either. Harvard will give you lots of old money, preppy, boarding school type classmates. Not to sure about the student type at Stanford…

Either way, you can’t go wrong. If you have some sense of “prestige” factor and think Harvard has an “edge”…. H v S is like choosing between a $1,000,005 salary versus a $1,000,000 salary. At that point, it comes down to where you see yourself fitting best.

 

Thanks everyone for your comments. It was a really difficult decision, and Harvard truly is amazing too, but I decided to choose Stanford! I'll try to make the most of my undergrad. :)

 

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