Harvard vs. Yale: Which is the better choice?
As I'm starting to put together my college list, Harvard and Yale are both at the very top for me, but I can't figure out which one would be a better fit.
I'm mostly interested in studying history or political science, and I know both schools are incredible for that, but I'm also thinking about campus culture and what day-to-day life is like. For anyone who has visited or attends either school, do the vibes really feel that different between the two? Do you think one has better research or internship opportunities in these fields?
It feels like everyone just assumes these two are interchangeable, but I’m hoping for some opinions from people who have looked into them more closely. Any thoughts about choosing one over the other, either academically or socially?
I'm mostly interested in studying history or political science, and I know both schools are incredible for that, but I'm also thinking about campus culture and what day-to-day life is like. For anyone who has visited or attends either school, do the vibes really feel that different between the two? Do you think one has better research or internship opportunities in these fields?
It feels like everyone just assumes these two are interchangeable, but I’m hoping for some opinions from people who have looked into them more closely. Any thoughts about choosing one over the other, either academically or socially?
1 week ago
•
20 views
Luis Nario-Malberg
• 1 week ago
Advisor
Choosing between Harvard and Yale can feel daunting, but there are real distinctions worth considering, especially given your interest in history and political science.
Academically, both schools offer top-ranked programs in your fields of interest, exceptional faculty, and plenty of research opportunities. Harvard is often a little more focused on the traditional strengths of political science, with programs like the Institute of Politics at the Kennedy School. Students get access to world-renowned guest speakers, policy-focused projects, and connections in Washington, D.C., which can be a plus if you're thinking about future government work. For example, many Harvard undergrads intern through partnerships the university has with D.C.-based think tanks during the summer.
Yale, on the other hand, is famous for its close-knit undergraduate community and the residential college system, which tends to create more intentional social circles. Politically, Yale students are known for activism and campus engagement, hosting major debates and fostering grassroots organizing. The Yale Political Union is legendary for student debate and public speaking. History at Yale is also remarkable, with particularly strong faculty in American and European history. Yale students tend to collaborate closely with professors—sometimes even co-authoring papers or working as undergraduate research assistants earlier than expected.
Culturally, Harvard is bigger (both in undergrad population and feel) and is located in Cambridge, which is urban, bustling, and filled with students from MIT and Harvard. There’s almost always something happening on or around campus. Yale is in New Haven, a smaller city with a more contained campus. The pace is a bit slower and some find it more relaxed or collegial. Harvard can sometimes feel more pre-professional; students are competitive but also deeply ambitious. Yale is often described as more collaborative, artsy, and quirky, though students are still plenty driven.
Alums from both schools have successfully launched careers in history, law, and politics, so neither is a wrong choice for professional outcomes. Ultimately, it often comes down to which campus community feels like a better fit for your style and social preferences.
If you haven’t already, visiting both campuses—or attending virtual info sessions and student panels—can really clarify things. For example, one student who was torn between the two realized after visiting that Harvard's fast-paced atmosphere excited them but made them a little anxious, while at Yale they felt surprisingly at home talking with students in the college courtyards.
Consider not just the programs, but where you can see yourself growing both in and outside the classroom. Don’t be afraid to lean into vibes and gut feelings once you’re confident in both schools’ academic strengths.
Academically, both schools offer top-ranked programs in your fields of interest, exceptional faculty, and plenty of research opportunities. Harvard is often a little more focused on the traditional strengths of political science, with programs like the Institute of Politics at the Kennedy School. Students get access to world-renowned guest speakers, policy-focused projects, and connections in Washington, D.C., which can be a plus if you're thinking about future government work. For example, many Harvard undergrads intern through partnerships the university has with D.C.-based think tanks during the summer.
Yale, on the other hand, is famous for its close-knit undergraduate community and the residential college system, which tends to create more intentional social circles. Politically, Yale students are known for activism and campus engagement, hosting major debates and fostering grassroots organizing. The Yale Political Union is legendary for student debate and public speaking. History at Yale is also remarkable, with particularly strong faculty in American and European history. Yale students tend to collaborate closely with professors—sometimes even co-authoring papers or working as undergraduate research assistants earlier than expected.
Culturally, Harvard is bigger (both in undergrad population and feel) and is located in Cambridge, which is urban, bustling, and filled with students from MIT and Harvard. There’s almost always something happening on or around campus. Yale is in New Haven, a smaller city with a more contained campus. The pace is a bit slower and some find it more relaxed or collegial. Harvard can sometimes feel more pre-professional; students are competitive but also deeply ambitious. Yale is often described as more collaborative, artsy, and quirky, though students are still plenty driven.
Alums from both schools have successfully launched careers in history, law, and politics, so neither is a wrong choice for professional outcomes. Ultimately, it often comes down to which campus community feels like a better fit for your style and social preferences.
If you haven’t already, visiting both campuses—or attending virtual info sessions and student panels—can really clarify things. For example, one student who was torn between the two realized after visiting that Harvard's fast-paced atmosphere excited them but made them a little anxious, while at Yale they felt surprisingly at home talking with students in the college courtyards.
Consider not just the programs, but where you can see yourself growing both in and outside the classroom. Don’t be afraid to lean into vibes and gut feelings once you’re confident in both schools’ academic strengths.
Luis Nario-Malberg
Mooresville, North Carolina
Harvard College, Class of 2018, A.B. in Philosophy
Experience
5 years