How would you compare Wash U vs. Cornell vs. Penn vs. Rice vs. Tufts vs. Emory as far as academic pressure (intensity of atmosphere) is concerned? I’ve heard some schools grade on a curve and give out a limited number of A’s, some don’t. Some require you take 4 classes per term, some require you take 5 classes per term. I don’t know if any of these things contribute to academic pressure, but just wanted to hear thoughts.
Each school has their requirements on how many credits (not number of classes) a full time student must have per semester, and number of credits required for graduation. Both of my kids at Cornell only took 3 classes their last semester because they had enough for graduation.
Cornell does grade on a curve, but B/B+ is the mean for most classes.
You will find top tier colleges are all very rigorous. I don’t think there is a school that has less pressure. Of course it also depends on your major too, Engineering and STEM majors tend to be harder, but not necessary for all.
Thanks for your comments. You make good points. I guess what I’m really asking is just about overall academic pressure or intensity of school culture. I’ve heard different things about different schools, but I’m really hoping either someone has two kids at two different schools and can compare or perhaps someone has a friend at another school and can compare overall intensity or even things people have heard about schools’ reputations. Thanks so much.
I do know that the perception of Cornell students is that is a lot of work to do well. Every student speaker on the first day said that everyone there at some point questions whether they “are smart enough” to be there. I know my D went through that feeling early in Soph. year, she pulled it together & did well, but had to work a lot harder than she did in high school.
What my daughter likes most about Cornell, and was one of the main factors in her decision to attend, was a tour guide telling her that each student is competing for their OWN education, and not really worrying about what others are doing. Yes, she puts pressure on herself for her good grades, and doesn’t really care at all what others are doing.
People at Cornell work hard and party hard.
Yes, the workload is intense at times, but like Tiggy said, the atmosphere is not very competitive. People want to get the best grades, but they’ll also help you if you ask.
On average, top ranked schools are more work than lower ranked schools. However, the schools you have listed are all very good. At that level, I think you will find that there are more significant differences by major than by school. Some majors at these schools may be more difficult than others.
Cornell is unquestionably difficult. The students are excellent and if it were not challenging, they would feel cheated. While it is challenging, students can manage the workload. Cornell also understands that an important part of an Ivy league education is what students are involved with outside of the classroom. They want their students to be involved. If students are studying 24/7 then that is not possible.