<p>I would go with Cal for Political Science/Econ. Cornell is honestly too far, too expensive, too cold. Had friends who went there but they were from the East coast and drive-able distance. The professors and teaching is a hit or miss like any other college.</p>
<p>About you not getting into Ivies, historically most of the valedectorians from the last few years of our HS (N. Cal) have ended up at Cal. Really you will be among a LOT of bright kids. Personally if you are driven and you have AP credits, you might be able to enroll as a sophomore even.</p>