<p>Cornell is substantially larger. Providence is a nice city to go to school in -- awesome restaurants, some culture and entertainment, and RI is its own kind of place. I don't know how it compares to Northern California! Newport is 1/2 an hour away, Boston an hour. Ithaca is in the middle of nowhere, but it has always been my impression that the social scene in Ithaca is self-sustaining and thriving.</p>
<p>What about majors? That could swing the decision.</p>
<p>Either way, I'm sure most people would be delighted to face the choice your brother is facing!</p>