<p>There are some places in California that are kinda "in the middle of nowhere" in that it's at least an hour from any sort of medium town/city. It's not all SF/LA/SD.</p>
<p>Yes, I know CA is a big state, with lots of rural areas. But even in the remote areas there I sensed they felt like because they were in the great glamorous California, they were not in the sticks the the same way a person in Wyoming or Kentucky is in the sticks.</p>
<p>We can quibble all day about what the middle of nowhere is. The main point I was trying to get across to Aussie was that New York state is huge, and a lot of foreigners (even those from Australia, which is roughly the size of the lower 48) are shocked to find that you can be in New York state, and still be nowhere near New York City.</p>
<p>I'm not trying to quibble. I think that your point is important and what not.</p>
<p>:rolleyes:</p>
<p>Tour Guide:
If you'd read the whole thread you'd know that Aussie Steve, who is smart enough to go to cornell, Penn etc, is also smart enough to read a map, and knows by now that Ithaca is 4 hours drive or so of NYC, but is also a half day's drive from Boston, Philly, Dc, Toronto and Montreal, so he could visit lots of interesting places in the US while here. He's also expressed an interest in trying skiing, snowboarding and a different climate--and social scene--from that down under. Not to mention that aussies are in general a sturdy lot, and not a bunch of wankers who will be put off by snow and cold. Some of us actually like the snow! He's already identified himself as an outdoorsy fellow.</p>
<p>In addition, Philadelphia is a fine city. Sure, there is some crime, it's a city! But it's also lively and interesting and well located and as safe as other major metropolitan areas. And a little warmer. Some of my best friends have gone to Penn and had a great time. My D is waiting to hear from them now. I'd be willing to bet that Aussie Steve would have a great time in any of his chosen locations.</p>
<p>Yeah bring it, bring on the snow and the cold... urmm maybe not too cold however :-P. Nah I'll tough it out, it'll be a good experience, I'm currently looking at doing a Immunology/Microbiology major, any thoughts on how the aforementioned Universities do in this specific Biology Major?</p>
<p>even those from Australia, which is roughly the size of the lower 48... sorry what's the lower 48, never come across that before, the main 48 states of the US?</p>
<p>Tourguide as I am not a Law student I can't do a year at Duke and I'm pretty sure that Vanderbilt isn't on my list where I can apply (see the hyperlink at start of thread). Thanks for your thoughts though, it can be tough to post when you disagree with everyone.</p>
<p>50 total states in the US minus Hawaii and Alaska since they're not connected to the "main body" of the United States. </p>
<p>The cold doesn't last very long, it's over 60 (F) and sunny in Ithaca right now. </p>
<p>I couldn't answer your specific question on the bio majors since i'm not a bio major. Perhaps explore the department websites for more information.</p>
<p>Yeah that figures, heh apparently we Australian's are smart and studious. So I hope I don't let the team down too much, if any of my questions have seemed silly or what not. I think the backup institution I'll place as my 2nd and 3rd preference will be University of Virginia and University of Pennsylvania respectively. That's my tip and I guess I thought I'd mention it seeing there might be other perspective student tossing up between those. I do have reasons for my selections, and that's partly thanks to those posting here, alongside your posts I've done my homework online at University homepages and through talking to other students who have gone on abroad.</p>
<p>Aussie: Didn't see the hyperlink. I quickly realized I was going against the grain here. The Northeast is justifiably very proud of its universities. I was just concerned that you'd come over for one school year and be wearing a winter parka from late October to mid-April. I've been to Australia, and know you guys have a different definition of "cold" than we in the northern states do.</p>
<p>I've always had a soft spot in my heart for Oz since they generously helped the USA in a little Southeast Asian conflict about 4 decades back. You really find out who your friends are when you get mired in a land war in Asia (by the way, very very few Americans know you guys were there).</p>
<p>You might want to bring along a lot of those kangaroo-skin coin purses. They would make wonderful peace offerings to any militant feminists you cross paths with, as they so accurately reflect their agenda.</p>
<p>Tourguide, thanks for your comments anyway, I checked out Virginia and was greatly impressed (especially those cheap but beautiful dorms!). However on the Vietnam war I may be not the sort of guy you'd have a soft spot for, while I do approve of some level of Neo-Conservatism in approach to foreign policy lets just say I might not have been found fighting the Vietnamese (not out of fear out of belief). As for those wacky feminists, I'd probably think them to be a bit less wacky than you and would not just attack their philosophy off the cuff. Haha anyways enough politics, just felt like a rant, hope this doesn't set the thread off in a tangent too much. Judge Australians on the individual and not on the nation's public image or its policy.</p>
<p>most naive young american's image of Australian's comes down to one guy: Steve Irwin (sp?). </p>
<p>The girl from Australia last semester was like "yeahhhhh, we aren't very proud of that."</p>
<p>Just dont come wearing khaki shorts with big boots and a matching tan utility shirt with a fanny pack. You'll be fine otherwise ;)</p>
<p>I used to live in upstate New York, so my personal preference would be something like "anywhere but Cornell!" Cornell's a very, very good school (especially for sciences), but I find the weather in upstate NY to be extremely depressing, especially for someone who has seasonal depression. Plus Ithaca...is boring. There's really no way to sugarcoat it.</p>
<p>Berkeley has a good science reputation too, so you might consider going there. The weather will be more like Australia's. I like Penn also, since I find Philly to be a nice city, but I find Penn's strengths to lie more with its B-school (Wharton) and other Humanities/Social Sciences.</p>
<p>Maybe you could visit the three places beforehand? I know that would cost a lot of money...but seriously, if you don't mind bad weather and small towns I'm sure you'd enjoy yourself at Cornell too (remember, great sciences ;)).</p>
<p>Aussie, i looked into Virginia and was told that you had to maintain a distinction average (whatever that converts too) or you get sent home. I could probably do it but i didnt want the extra stress... See if its the same for melbourne. Maybe it will not worry you as you could be a super wizz :) </p>
<p>Yeh dont knock feminists! (womens studies is one of my minors heh)</p>
<p>Steve Irwin is a Queenslander .... they are quite different up there :p</p>
<p>Personally I don't think you'd be bored at Cornell. At all, but particularly if you're just going for a year I don't think there's much risk whatsoever.</p>
<p>I was there for six years, and I don't recall being bored particularly. (Not sure, but getting a car junior year may have helped a lot towards this result though). And I don't recall people complaining a lot there about being bored.</p>
<p>Thing is, there are just so many kids there that they make stuff to do. Parties, etc. I think post #79 is on-point.</p>
<p>Get in with a specialized housing unit that provides a more intimate living experience. Like a frat, or a coop, someplace conducive to really knowing the people you're living with. Then do an activity/ club or two, or three. When you do that you can really get to know people, and when you really get to know people, together you will find things to do. If you don't you won't find things to do even if you are in New York City. Many "singles" types in New York City find it to be very isolated/lonely living there, despite the apparent wealth of activities around them. The environment has to have enough so there are choices for you to make,and Cornell/Ithaca did I think for the people I knew there. But beyond that it's sort of up to you in the end, in any event.</p>
<p>The other thing to keep in mind is that it is quite possible you will be working very hard there, and that makes some of the down-time choices a bit more academic.</p>
<p>There's a lake there, to boat on. There's skiing. There are about 4 great state parks. There is (was) a really great music scene there, if you care. There are tons of intramural sports if you're into that. You might find yourself getting into the local "big" team sports: hockey and lacrosse.</p>
<p>I didn't have a huge problem with the weather while I was there. It rained a lot though. Most years it started snowing during finals week, and when we came back from break it wasn't snowing that much anymore. I don't know where this other guy lived, but Ithaca actually is not in the "snow belt" that some of the other surrounding places (eg Rochester) are in. Which is not to say it doesn't get it's fair share of snow; just that somebody else "upstate" may have a slightly different frame of reference. And the place is anything but drab; the campus is gorgeous. You feel great every day walking to class surrounded by its natural beauty and breathing the clean air. I could actually feel the air in my lungs. I felt it was almost like going to college in a state park. You should see the leaves turning in the Fall; magnificent!</p>
<p>One thing though, if you want to travel and "see the US" during your 1 year in America, then I have to say Ithaca may not be the best jumping-off spot for that. You can get to a lot of places, but they are not that close. Whereas the other choices are in or near destination cities that a lot of tourist types might be more interested in. So that might be something to consider.</p>
<p>the music scene is still very hot. </p>
<p>I live one hour north of Ithaca (when i'm not at school) and it snows significantly more. It seems to be like a 12:1 ratio being 12" back home for ever 1" of snow in Ithaca. </p>
<p>monydad's idea of finding special housing is really good. There are many "themed" residence halls ranging from international living centers to music dorms plus the typical frat houses and sororities. As long as you become friends with a group of people, you wont have a problem being bored. Also, dont worry about the car thing, you'll get a free bus pass and odds are you'll know somebody who does have a car so you could always bum a ride. </p>
<p>I have to run off to class, but later on I can post a few link of "what to do" at Cornell and a list of student organizations and residence halls...</p>
<p>"Apparently we Australian's [sic] are smart and studious"--Aussie Steve.</p>
<p>"Aussies are in general a sturdy lot, and not a bunch of wankers who will be put off by snow and cold"--Cosmopolitan.</p>
<p>"Judge Australians on the individual, and not on the nation's public image..."--Aussie Steve.</p>
<p>"What the heck...?"--TourGuide</p>
<p>Yeah sorry Tourguide not very consistent am I, meh, was a misread on the comment by cosmo however. All I was saying is just don't assume that most Australian's agree with the public policy of the country cause that mightn't be the case, however this is off topic and I really can't be bothered getting into some silly debate over this, I''m glad you think that Australia did a good thing in Vietnam, case closed. PS I'm appreciative of your posts!</p>
<p>Yeah Gomestar tell me more of this wonderous music scene, my younger brother is especially interested (his a hardcore boy). What sort of music do you like, and how much does Ithaca satisfy this with concerts? O, what was the name of the girl you knew from Aus. (I've got emails from one who went their end of 2005)? </p>
<p>Magus... haha are you nuts?? visit the places beforehand... man I'm funding this whole trip and need to save not expend any more cash. Thanks for the warning but I'm kind of interested in Cornell for what makes it different from Australia, and Melbourne Uni particularly.</p>
<p>Sid yeah I'm not sure if that's the case, were you impressed by what you found out about the Uni however? Its pretty kick-ass, I don't think I'd mind the pressure, like Distinctions aren't that hard, I guess it depends on how hard they grade at that Virginia though. I'd laugh about the Steve Irwin-Queenslander thing, because its pretty true....unfortunately however I am a Queenslander by origin too :-P.</p>
<p>Monydad sweet tip on the co-ops and whatnot, I've got that also from a returned Cornell student, she said they are pretty sweet, however I do like the idea of someone else cooking for me (ie me buying the campus dining plan). I'd really love the environment of the University if its as nice as you say. Is hockey btw ice-hockey or regular old hockey, because I can't even stand up on iceskates, but I'm fairly capable at the regular one (I'm assuming its the former thats popular)? Do you know anything of this free Ivy-to-Ivy bus?</p>
<p>When Ilived in a coop, someone else cooked for me too. However, we all had to take jobs of some sort; I washed dishes. The food was not worse than campus dining. And the fact that we all ate there, together, meant we had to interact, which contributed to that more intimate experience I was referring to. But to each their own.</p>
<p>The hockey is ice hockey. There are intramural hockey teams as well, but I was referencing it as a major spectator sport of local interest.</p>
<p>Any ideas on how much is a realistic estimate for living costs for a year. I have to fill out a 2R form and was wondering whether you guys thought it did cost the USD$16,000 a year that Cornell suggests. Any thoughts?</p>
<p>wow this thread is still alive</p>