Stanford vs Harvard

Hi guys, I’m super fortunate to have been admitted to both schools (co2028) in this last admissions cycle but now decision anxiety—especially post Stanford’s admit weekend—is hitting me hard. I’d love any advice or perspectives on my situation.

I’m primarily interested in the humanities—English/history/international relations, but I also might try to double major at either institution with SymSys or Econ. Still not super sure abt post grad career (law school, consulting, foreign service, etc.) I’m also from the Bay Area (~40 min away from Stanny).

Pros for Stanny 1. Amazing weather + prettier campus (imo). 2. Close to home, so realistically, I’d have a stronger support network and might be happier. I also know way more ppl going to Stanford coming from the Bay compared to Harvard, and it’s sig easier for me to visualize life as a student here. My sibling will be here next year too on a co-term. 3. Weaker for the humanities 4. Nicer student facilities: better dining halls, free laundry, etc. Perhaps emblematic of Stanford just investing/caring more abt their undergrads? 5. Quarter system. I like it idk. 6. Easy access to study abroad programs that could mimic my desire for independence/living away from home that attracts me to Harvard. I’d want to study abroad at either school I attend.

Pros for Harvard 1. Stronger in the humanities. Idk like all the amazing teen writers/figures I’ve looked up to have in past years chosen Harvard when faced with this same cross admit decision which is making me pause. 2. Easy access to Boston so I could live my city girl dreams. Also close proximity to other colleges means maybe more diversity/less bubble. 3. Distance from family + lack of safety net on the same level means I might grow more. I’ve also always wanted to at least try living on the east coast, but I’m not sure if I’d actually enjoy the experience more than Cali. 4. Better housing/dorm culture. Haven’t heard the best things about Stanford’s neighborhood system. 5. Worse food/weather/other things that might make daily life just a bit more uncomfortable/harder. 6. Just a small iota more of general prestige outside of like CS/tech fields.

Atp, I’m genuinely 50-50. Like I’ve flipped a coin and felt ambivalent about landing on either one 😭. Pls help.