<p>You ought not get your knickers all tied up in a twist ihaveabunni. I simply believe that Cornell has the possibility to position itself in such a way to be thought of as an alternative to the HYPMS model by a greater number of applicants, and not be like them, and certainly not the second choice by many.</p>
<p>I do not want to compromise Cornell's unique identity; I want to capitalize upon it. There is great potential, and Cornell can gain from its inherent positions of strength first--and address weakness accordingly.</p>
<p>There was the notion 140 years ago, that Cornell was America's first true university, an innovation in education. That is just one place of differentiation to start. The potential is there to exponentially grow this "enterprise".</p>
<p>Point well taken about Berkeley. I believe Cornell finds itself somewhere between HYPMS and Berkeley in many respects. </p>
<p>What you have suggested, has been noted elsewhere and is valid and I tend to generally agree with. Class size should be smaller...perhaps 2500 to 2700; and then reassess. Faculty compensation and financial aid improvements can only help. Ithaca is not in the middle of nowhere. That is a tired observation. </p>
<p>The statutory colleges represent an opportunity, not a drag on Cornell. It is how you perceive things. There is more upside to this story than not.</p>