<p>I am an international student applying to Cornell for Fall 2014. I intend to major in Computer Science. I know there have been a lot of threads on this but I still haven't found my answer - should I apply to Arts and Sciences or Engineering? I want a liberal arts education. However, my application has mainly CS related stuff and my courses are mainly in the Sciences and mathematics. I haven't taken a single humanities course as my curriculum does not allow me to do so. Will this be a disadvantage for an Arts and Sciences applicant? Thank you for your responses!</p>
<p>Go arts and sciences. That’s the school you want to enter. </p>
<p>As for how your lack of humanities will affect your application, I can’t tell you. You could try and post on both the international forum and the school specific forum for Cornell. You won’t be the first from your country with problem.</p>
<p>Here is my guide for choosing CS in Arts vs Engineering that I wrote a while back. Enjoy.</p>
<p>Choosing between Arts and Engineering is all about what classes you would take during your four years here.</p>
<p>You take the same sequence of CS classes for Arts vs Engineering.</p>
<p>However…
For arts, you have to satisfy this checklist to graduate:
<a href=“https://www.cs.cornell.edu/undergrad.../artschecklist[/url]”>https://www.cs.cornell.edu/undergrad.../artschecklist</a></p>
<p>For engineering, you have this checklist:
<a href=“https://www.cs.cornell.edu/undergrad...eringchecklist[/url]”>https://www.cs.cornell.edu/undergrad...eringchecklist</a></p>
<p>The real difference is this:</p>
<p>For Engineering, you HAVE to take the Engineering math sequence consisting of Math 1910 (Calculus for Engineers), Math 1920 (Multivariable Calculus for Engineers), and Math 2940 (Linear Algebra for Engineers). You can also take Math 2930 (Differential Equations for Engineers) if you want to go into Robotics, Graphics, or Scientific Computing. AP Credit can get you out of the Math 1910, but that’s it.</p>
<p>For Arts, you can take the regular math sequence consisting of Math 1110 (Calc I), Math 1120 (Calc II), and Math 2210 (Linear Algebra). You can take the Engineering math sequence instead, but why on earth would you do that? Here, AP Credit can get you out of the first two math classes, leaving to take only Math 2210.</p>
<p>Also, Arts requires you to take a language in a addition to a humanities distribution requirement (called “Liberal Studies”).</p>
<p>In Engineering, you don’t have to take a language, but you still have a Liberal Studies requirements. Engineers have the option of using a language to satisfy this.</p>
<p>In Arts, you have to take two science classes of any kind.
In Engineering, you have to take Chem 2090 (Chem for Engineers), Phys 1112 (Mechanics), Phys 2213 (E&M), and then you have a choice for the 4th science class. I am choosing to take Phys 2214 (Oscillations & Waves).</p>
<p>Engineering requires you to take an Intro to Engineering class and a bunch of Engineering distribution classes.</p>
<p>Take Arts if you want the freedom to take a bunch of humanities classes.
Engineering will drag you through a bunch more science and tougher math courses.</p>
<p>You may choose your own fate.
Good luck! Please feel free to ask any questions.</p>
<p>highland<em>poppy and Peppino: Thank you so much for your help! Such a detailed guide, Peppino.
One more question, Peppino, that highland</em>poppy couldn’t answer. Will my lack of humanities courses affect my chances? My application is highly mathematics and CS-oriented. Will this be a disadvantage?</p>