Amherst vs. Cornell

College Search & Selection
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<p>I go to Cornell, and I am very very happy here. The environments are completely different at each school. I do not know much about Amherst, so I can only comment on Cornell. </p>

<p>Classes are great, as we have some of the best professors in the world. Intro level classes can be large, but the professors are still available to help you. The key is that you need to actually make the move and get help...they will not come to you. If you got a course catalog on the mail (if not cuinfo.cornell.edu), you will see the wide variety of classes that are offered. There is definitely something to suit everyone's interest. When you choose a major, you can always minor in something else you find interesting - from architectural history to business. A ton of research goes on here...everyday my Mom calls me and tells me that she heard about Cornell on the news. You will have a opportunities to conduct your own research with a faculty member. Also there are many leadership opportunities, as Cornell empowers the students to run many aspects of campus life. For example, Cornell is one of the few schools that have students allocate funds to the various groups on campus. Also, the Freshman Orientation Program is run by volunteer students. It was actually noted as one of the best programs in the country.</p>

<p>Here is a quote that defines the challenging Cornell culture:
"Granted, the academics are tough at Cornell, but that does not seem to be the only reason why students struggle. Life at Cornell is a challenge because the students are incredibly ambitious. Double majors abound, and people seek academic challenges. Students volunteer in the community, participate in intramural sports, attend student organizations, and play musical instruments. And, of course, they party. In fact, first they party, and then they do all of those other things. The challenge of Cornell is in the breadth of the students' interests."
<a href="http://www.seanmichaelgreen.com/logcornell.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.seanmichaelgreen.com/logcornell.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>It can be really tough here. It is a challenge, and if you want something more laid back then Cornell might not be for you. I can’t tell you the number of times I have been up at the library until 6 or 7am doing work just because I have so many things going on in my life. It can be tough, but it is very rewarding…and almost any job you have after you graduate will be a piece of cake, in terms of work load. </p>

<p>Socially, Cornell has a great Greek system. About 1/3 of students are members. There are over 40 fraternities and 13 sororities to choose from. There will be at least one that meets your needs, even if you do not like to drink. Other than that, collegetown has restuarants, bars, and stores. It is also the other party hub on weekends. Many upperclassmen actually move off campus and live there for junior and senior year.</p>

<p>I could go on and on about Cornell. I would be happy to answer any questions that anyone has about Cornell.</p>

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<p>amherst isnt like most LACs because Umass is right there... theres all the cultural activities and partying adn whatnot right there, if you cant stand the amherst environment.

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<p>Well, you know what they say...when in doubt, go to the one with a great big party school next door.</p>

<p>spn2000, I keep hearing about the suicide rate at Cornell. What's up with that?</p>

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There will be at least one that meets your needs, even if you do not like to drink.

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Wow. :eek: I'm unfamiliar with Greek systems so that one was news. Welcome news though. Thanks, spn2200!</p>

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<ol>
<li>In response to "amherst isnt like most LACs because Umass is right there... theres all the cultural activities and partying adn whatnot right there, if you cant stand the amherst environment."</li>
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<p>In Ithaca, we have Cornell and Ithaca College, a smaller liberal arts college. We definetly do not interact on a daily basis. In general, IC students do not use the Cornell facilities or resourses. Socially, if a Ithaca College student comes to one of our fraternity parties, we do not let him in, because we are Cornell and they are not. So, don't rely on having Umass there to meet your needs that Amherst can't. It sounds easy on paper to rely on them, but it will suck not having what you need at your own college.</p>

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<li> There are suicides at Cornell, but not that many. There hasn't been one for at least a year now (although a body was found in a gorge last night, which has not yet been confirmed to be a Cornell student). The reason that they are publicized is because of the gorges that are on campus. At any other school, someone would quietly OD on drugs, but at Cornell, jumping off a bridge garners more attention. Also, local Ithaca people that commit suicide do so by coming up to campus and also jumping, connecting Cornell to the incident. Overall, it is not as bad as it seems, so don't worry about it.</li>
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<p>Well, would you really want to go to a school that is going to lose the women's lacrosse tournament to Duke? HAHA</p>

<p>PS: Just bring it, Wharty!</p>

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<p>I wasn't going to respond (you've visited both places--what more can we tell you) but, since this is turning into a popularity contest, I'll just add that I would go to almost any top 10 LAC over a lower Ivy. There will be lots of opportunities to obtain a degree from a research university (anyone and their grandma can get a Masters from one.) But, now is the only time you'll most likely ever have to enroll at a small college. For some things, opportunity knocks but once.</p>

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<p>I'm not going to even get into what is wrong with the above statement.</p>

<p>But anyway, HXC, where did you decide to enroll?</p>