I applied on a whim for Stanford in Cape Town, and was just accepted for "spring quarter" (it'll be autumn there in Cape Town, South Africa).

I became interested in the program over a year ago. The main question is whether to do it this spring or try again next year.

Pros of saying yes:

• Already accepted

• One friend is going

• I don't have super clear plans for what classes I'd take instead (my graduation plan is somewhere between "flexible" and "nonexistent"

• The future is crazy which makes me disinclined to delay gratification

Cons of saying no:

• I quite like my dorm this year, and there's a good chance doing it next fall would hurt my chance at good Stanford housing (though I make take some quarters off)

• I was sort of planning to study abroad next year

• Maybe I shouldn't go to South Africa at all? I might get lonely or bored, and it doesn't necessarily contribute to my career goals

I already "confirmed," but I have until February 15, 2026 to decide for real.

General policy for my markets: In the rare event of a conflict between my resolution criteria and the agreed-upon common-sense spirit of the market, I may resolve it according to the market's spirit or N/A, probably after discussion.