Harvard or Yale? Which is better?

I'm trying to sort out my college list, and I'm stuck on the Harvard vs Yale thing. Does anyone know if there's a definitive reason one might be considered better than the other, or is it essentially just personal preference?

Your decision between Yale and Harvard will indeed likely come down to personal preference, as both are top-tier Ivy League schools renowned for their academic rigor and opportunities. However, there are some distinguishing features between the two which might sway you in one direction or another.

First, consider the social culture: Yale has a residential college system where students live, eat, and generally create a community across the whole campus right from their freshman year. Many see this as a significant factor in fostering a tight-knit community feel. On the other hand, Harvard students also have a House system, but it starts in the sophomore year, with freshmen living in a dorm in Harvard Yard - this can help build stronger connections freshman year, but you may need a little more time to immerse yourself in the full Harvard community.

Looking at academics, Harvard is often praised for its professional schools, such as Law, Business, and Medicine, with cross-registration opportunities for undergraduates that could be a huge plus if you see yourself eventually pursuing professional studies in one of these fields. Yale's undergraduate focus, on the other hand, is widely acknowledged, and the university is known for its strong programs in areas like English, History, and the Arts.

Location can also play a key role in your decision. Harvard is in Cambridge, which is essentially a part of Boston - a big city with a vibrant student population given the many colleges around. Yale is in New Haven, which is a smaller city that is sometimes critiqued for its safety but praised for its food scene. In terms of campus environment, Yale's Gothic architecture and Harvard's red brick buildings each have their own fans.

At the end of the day, both offer incredible opportunities because of their abundant resources, vast alumni networks, and challenging academic programs. It would be beneficial to visit both in person or virtually to get a feel for the student community, the campuses, and the cities to see which one you could see yourself thriving in, as these intangibles are likely going to be what determines which one is truly the right fit for you.

Finally, do keep in mind that you could always apply to both and give yourself more time to make a final decision, although if you were planning on utilizing either school's Restrictive Early Action plan, that wouldn't be possible.

Regardless of which one(s) you end up applying to, if you want tips on how to maximize your chances of acceptance, I'd check out the following blog posts from CollegeVine, which break down how to tackle their respective school-specific supplemental essays:

- Harvard: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-harvard-university-essays/

- Yale: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-yale-university-essays

Both are among the most selective schools in the world, and the essays are a great way to set yourself apart even within these highly selective applicant pools by showing what you have to offer beyond the numbers.

Good luck with your decision!