<p>I like Cornell but I don't know which college I want to apply to.</p>
<p>My parents would prefer CAS because its curriculum is more broad. But they also want me to get in badly and I think I have a better chance at CALS than CAS.
But they are also worried that CALS' curriculum is narrow and it is looked down upon because it is slightly easier to get in(is this true?) </p>
<p>My stats aren't so spectacular to begin with (3.8 GPA, 31 ACT) so I don't know what to do.
(I am undecided btw)</p>
<p>Well I wouldn't use the word narrow to describe CALS. </p>
<p>The curriculum of CAS is more rigorous and demanding. They have a broad array of requirements that you must fulfill in addition to your major requirements. However, CALS isn't AS rigorous. Which is a good thing because it gives you the opportunity to take OTHER courses. So if you take advantage of the opportunity to take other courses via electives, CALS's curriculum can be JUST AS broad as CAS.</p>
<p>You scores are good. But what about your ECs and letters? If those are good, you stand a good chance. If you are a NYer, even better chance for CALS.</p>
<p>BTW, what do you want to major in? If you know your major and what path you want to take, that is enough for you to decide on CALS or CAS.</p>
<p>When I applied, I was choosing between HE and CAS. In the end, I chose HE for MANY reasons.</p>
<p>1) Cheaper
2) More interesting major, HBHS as oppose to straight up biology.
3) Less demanding curriculum which gave me more time to take interesting courses.
4) Even though I was in HE, I had ample opportunity to take courses in the other colleges.
5) In the end, you get a Cornell degree.</p>
<p>One thing I want to stress though- Just because the curriculums between schools are different, it doesn't take away from the rigor that you will experience. All schools are quite competitive, some more than other, but the overall Cornell competition is still there. Just make sure you pick something YOU will like and enjoy doing for 4 years.</p>
<p>Even though I'm undecided right now, I want to focus on economics and environmental studies.
My ECs are pretty mediocre...clubs with a few leadership positions, environmental organization volunteer, sports (non varsity and varsity). But nothing spectacular.
I live in California so that's not gonna help.</p>