A Tough Decision

Colleges and Universities A-Z Cornell University
1

<p>Hey everyone! So I have a small problem I was hoping you guys could help me with… Actually, it’s a pretty big problem. I’ve luckily (and gratefully) been accepted to both the College of William and Mary and Cornell University’s College of Human Ecology as a Human Development Major. First off, I would like to say that I was a bit biased towards Cornell from the beginning because I have an older sister who is graduating from there this year, and she loves it there. I applied to William and Mary on whim because I love their blog and it helped me a lot during the college application process.</p>

<p>Let me begin by talking about my interests. I love music and culture and will definitely be involved in both types of activities. I plan on being a surgeon (pediatric or general), so at Cornell, I would be a Human Development major on a pre-med track. At W&M, I would most likely be a mathematics major on a pre-med track because I love math as well.</p>

<p>This past week, I visited both schools (W&M for the first time) for their admitted students’ day. Cornell’s admitted students’ day was a bit disappointing because there wasn’t much planned, but luckily, I stayed with my sister so she was able to take me around and I really got a feel of “college life.” I visited Cornell first, and when I left I was 95% sure that I was going to attend. Having grown up in the Northeast, I am used to cold weather, and the campus is absolutely beautiful. I love the feel of the nature surrounding me, and it is a place I can see myself getting lost in (in a good way). My only fear is that the classes will be too large. I sat in on a fairly large class, and it got a bit boring (to the point that I fell asleep). The academics are, without a doubt, top-notch, there is a new Human Ecology building which is super cool, diverse student body, the people are fairly nice, and it is a mere four hours from home. Needless to say, it is awesome.</p>

<p>I decided to visit William and Mary as a formality more than anything. I was curious to see what the campus is like, and I honestly had nothing better to do. I didn’t know that I would fall in love. Again. Though very (VERY) different from Cornell, W&M is beautiful in its own way. It’s so rich with history, and I love Williamsburg (but at the same time sort of disliked the semi-touristy feel and it’s a bit TOO small). The weather seems to be always nice, but what really got me was how welcoming and nice every single student there is. Everyone was smiling all the time and just seemed to really love being there. Their admitted students’ day was fantastic with tons of stuff for us to do. The place is just so rich with history and just so so so gorgeous. Though not as diverse as Cornell, it had a very nice home-y feeling to it. The only two big complaints I had were that it’s an eight hour drive, and the campus is a tad too small for my liking, but my 95% had gown down to a 51%.</p>

<p>So what is that 1%, you ask? Well, as much as I hate to admit it, there is a lure for Cornell in its name. Being of Asian descent, my family in Asia is very much into the “name brand” things. I wonder the things Cornell can do for me just through its name. I hear it has an excellent and powerful alumni network. What is holding me back, however, is the feeling W&M gave me that Cornell did not – home. It was comforting to be there among so many friendly students, and I didn’t really get that vibe from Cornell (whether because it doesn’t exist or it takes a while to develop). At this point, I could really see myself at either university. I just have to decide. There are pros and cons to both colleges, and I can’t decide which outweigh the other. The prices for both schools are fairly similar, so money is not an issue. What I guess I’m really asking is: why did you choose Cornell?</p>

<p>I just don’t want to make a decision that I will regret later on, and as of now, I’m really just at a lost. Tell me why you fell in love with the school and why I should go there! Thank you so much for your help :D</p>

2

<p>Hm… can I attribute the lack of answer to the huge wall of text?</p>

<p>Long story short: Deciding between William and Mary and Cornell. Love stuff about both schools, so please help me decide!!!</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

3

<p>I’m actually a Human Development major right now and I think it’s a great major! There are a sizeable amount of pre-med HD majors, but most are more interested in education, business, law or psychology. If you have any more questions on the specifics of the major, PM me!</p>

4

<p>I’m a parent of a current Cornell student with a 2nd child who is a HS Sr choosing between Cornell and another school similar in size to W&M. We had a similar experience to you in that we were somewhat disappointed in the substance of Cornell Days single-day event compared to the more structured and thorough agenda of the other’s two-day admitted student program. The other school certainly made her feel more wanted.</p>

<p>However, I advised my daughter not to get too caught up in the marketing or the pitch as it’s much more difficult for Cornell to deliver the same type of program given they’re more than twice as large with 7 separate colleges. Instead focus more on what each school has to offer you and envision the fit and feel of campus once you’re no longer being wined and dined. My oldest child was a recruited athlete who can tell you that none of the schools are as hospitable once you actually matriculate.</p>

<p>You may not have attended Cornell Days when HumEc was conducting their sessions, or you would have clearly learned that the majority of your class sizes will be fairly small. One of the HumEc ambassadors commented in a Q&A session that he loved knowing everyone (students and professors) in his major so well while also being able to experience all the benefits of a larger university while spending his other 20 hours a day outside the classroom.</p>

<p>Reading between the lines of your post, you fell for a better pitch when instead you should focus more on which environment offers you the most value and best experience. My oldest feels Cornell offers the best of both worlds - an elite education coupled with a fun, broadening college experience. </p>

<p>You can soak up the wonderful history of Colonial Williamsburg like any tourist can over any weekend, but how will you spend the other 120+ weekends over your college career? Make your decision based on which of two very different environments is the best fit for you and your college aspirations.</p>

5

<p>I agree with @beeball about the whole once you get there you won’t be wined and dined anymore. I am a huge advocate about going to a place that feels like home. However, personally, I wouldn’t be able to turn down Cornell.</p>

6

<p>I am both a Cornell alumni and a parent of an incoming Cornell freshman student. I think you are basically trying to decide between a smaller (liberal arts college) and a bigger (university). My take is that as a pre-med you will have many many more course options at Cornell. Take a look at all of the bio-related programs. They are in the Ag College, the Engineering Colllege, the A&S College, and I assume the College of Human Ecology. You can take courses in any one of them. Plus, my recollection is that the Hum Ec college is somewhat smaller than the A&S, Engineering, and Ag (the three big ones). You will be amongst a relatively small group within your college. </p>

<p>We too went to the admitted students day and yes there wasn’t all that much offered at the university level. But if you go on a day when your college is offering activities you might find it a bit different. I agree with the other poster who warned you not to be too swayed by the marketing.</p>

<p>So basically what I am saying is that you will have a lot more options available to you if you go to Cornell. If you know exactly what you want to do and William and Mary has it then that’s great. If you want to keep some options open or simply want a more diverse experience then Cornell is the way to go. I can’t say much about W&M but at Cornell you will also have access to graduate level courses in your upper level years so that adds to the diversity as well. Your choice is basically big and diverse vs small (and maybe more personal) but just remember that within the big and diverse you get a smaller college (probably smaller than W&M).</p>

<p>Good luck with your decision. You have two really goood choices.</p>

7

<p>Do you think it would be wiser to choose the school that I feel offers more opportunities than the one I might feel comfortable at? W&M I felt comfortable right off the bat, but I’m confident I will develop that feeling over time at Cornell too. At Cornell, however, I think I will have more opportunities available to me due to the vast and extensive connections of a large research university, and a concentration in Human Development may also be more beneficial than a liberal arts education when it comes to pre-medicinal studies.</p>

8

<p>you are currently a high school senior - if you are so comfortable now at a smaller school are you still going to feel stretched there later - i.e. are you going for comfort or opportunities??</p>

<p>my h was pre-med many years ago at HumEc and was accepted to med school right after college. many pre-meds do not end up going to med school. the HumEc major offers many options and has a lot of mentoring and advising options</p>

9

<p>You are Asian, therefore go to Cornell. Case closed. Have fun at college. Just try to be more open about careers. It’s way too early and you’ll find that it’s much tougher to get into med school as an Asian.</p>