<p>I'm a high school senior in upstate NY. I got into Cornell College of Engineering in March, and I sent my deposit there. However, I just got into Caltech off of the waitlist, and I'm trying to decide between the two. I plan on studying either engineering physics or mechanical engineering at either college, and I'm trying to gather more information regarding how Caltech's programs in these areas compare to those at Cornell. Will either lead to better opportunities after college as far as grad school or a job goes? Does either involve significantly more work? Also, how easy is it to get internships as a Caltech student?</p>
<p>A few other things:</p>
<p>-I have severe food allergy to peanuts. Does anyone have any experience with having special dietary needs at Caltech? I talked to someone in dining when I visited campus, but I'd be very interested in hearing other accounts regarding this.</p>
<p>-Does Caltech have any sort of fitness center that the student population can use? I forgot to look into that while I was there.</p>
<p>I have until Monday 5/14 to decide. Any information will be helpful. Thanks in advance!</p>
<p>I got off the waitlist last year, and chose between Cornell Engineering and Caltech as well. Cornell engineering is excellent (in particular, they have new nano facilities) and their campus, if you haven't visited, is really nice. I think your choice should weigh on where you would feel more comfortable - a large environment in rural NY, or a small campus in Pasadena which is anything but rural. At least in comparison.</p>
<p>I can't compare specifically the engineering programs between Caltech and Cornell, maybe someone else could do it better. Caltech will, however, offer a very solid education for what you want to do. </p>
<p>I can't really say much about grad schools/internships either, but companies do recruit pretty actively here, and Caltech does have high placement into grad schools. That said, I'm sure the same is true at Cornell. My impression is that Caltech will involve significantly more work, however. So be prepared :D</p>
<p>By the way, yes, we have gyms, they're on the very south end of campus.</p>
<p>We're getting new nano facilities at the beginning of the fall term, I think (Kavli Nanoscience Institute). I'm actually really excited about this. </p>
<p>In terms of special dietary needs, I know a girl who has this huge list of things she can't eat and things she can; the board program would always make specialized meals for her that seemed to be neither bland nor repetitive. Surprisingly enough, I don't know anyone at the moment with a severe peanut allergy but I think there used to be someone in my house who was deathly allergic to them; all I know about him is that he lived off-campus, is a highly skilled chess player, and is very good at math.</p>
<p>I think one of the people in my house is severely allergic to peanuts... I'll ask him tonight. To be honest, I think he's allergic to like half the things on the planet. I know potatoes for sure!</p>
<p>Looking back, it came down to kind of a gut feeling. It felt like the better choice to me...hard to describe, but I can't say I really regret the choice. I had less time, if I recall, to decide, and though I analyzed/asked around to a bit, in the end you realize analysis can only matter so much. They're pretty different directions to take; whichever makes you more comfortable.</p>
<p>OK, so he's not allergic to peanuts (which is surprising because he's allergic to virtually everything). He also said that he's not as allergic as I thought he was--apparently he gets sick if he eats something he's not supposed to have, but it's not life-threatening or anything. Finally, he seemed to give the impression that finding food at Tech wasn't a big deal... he was kinda busy building ditch day so I didn't get a long conversation with him on the matter, sorry.</p>