<p>I received an e-mail this afternoon saying that I was selected as a 'Cornell Commitment Fellow' - I went to the link provided in the e-mail but I'm unsure whether this is a scholarship or just an honor. I don't have time to wait for the info letter to arrive at my house - if I need to visit, I need to buy plane tickets now!</p>
<p>Does anyone know anything about this program? Any information will be greatly appreciated!</p>
<p>this is a need-based scholarship, but you also get into special programs once you come to cornell. What specific commitment program did you get into?</p>
<p>For me it doesn't address a specific program, but (from the website) it seems that there are 3 programs that fall under the umbrella of a Cornell Commitment Fellow...?</p>
<p>my kid is in the Tradition Program. As we were not eligible for financial aid,she received the minimum $ award of around $600/year (I think) but-- part of the Tradition requirement is that you work. So d was able to find a campus job and probably earned a few thousand each year.
-- her campus employment helped her secure a "winter Internship" at a fancy/schmancy law firm. There are alot of Ivy students, but there are alot less Ivy kids who will work in an office environment and not come off as spoiled brats.
Trust me, adults are often impressed with hard working kids who have shown that they can work well with others and don't come across as arrogant Ivy leaguers. So do not belittle campus employment and take full advantage of the opportunity to work on campus.</p>
<p>she's also become pretty involved with the Tradition program and has a "leadership" position. So that leadership EC will be listed on her resume and may down the road be viewed in a positive light.</p>
<p>there are other commitment programs, but the one I am most familiar with is the Tradition Program.</p>
<p>Marny...Why is this awarded? I'm sure it's not needs based. Does your child enjoy being a part of it? Is it considered an honor? How many students participate? What things has your child done to particpate in Cornell Tradition?</p>
<p>I think the Tradition emphasis is work and community service. My d was involved in both areas as a High school student so her background probably got her "noticed". People who are familiar with Cornell are probably aware that the Tradition is a good thing. I doubt that they are overly impressed, but it does show a commitment to the work ethic and community service. </p>
<p>she has become involved with the Traditon and is presently working with a non-profit organization in Ithaca as part of a "Community action fellowship" through the Tradition program. There are probably many non-specific benefits- but generally speaking: The Tradition is a good thing!! </p>
<p>and as typical of Cornell, it seems that there are many different honors awarded based on what program you are in. My kid is in ILR.</p>
<p>There are three programs:</p>
<p>Meinig Family Cornell National Scholars - Leaders of the University - you'll be working closely with Deans and the President to shape the future of Cornell</p>
<p>Tradition - Work and Service based</p>
<p>Hunter Rawlings - Research</p>
<p>All of these are awarded based on merit - the criteria is your application -</p>
<p>The admissions committee of the school that you were admitted to recommends you, and then another committee looks at your entire application and determines if you should be part of one of those programs</p>
<p>It has nothing to do with the school you apply to, its all independent, as there is a central committee that looks at all applicants.</p>
<p>Are any ED applicants selected?</p>
<p>I'm ED and was selected for the Tradition Program. Is it recommended to go to the orientation during Cornell Days... is it worth it?</p>
<p>If those are the merit awards ... Then the Jacobs and Mcmullen are less prestigious?</p>
<p>The Irwin and Joan Jacobs Scholars are no less prestigious, its just there is less work attached to it. For the commitment, you become part of an organization, the Jacobs and McMullen are mainly monetary awards. Also, Jacobs and McMullen are exclusively Engineering - or at least are prioritized for Engineering. </p>
<p>A lot of people don't get both of those awards - I know there were only two in last years class who received both honors - incidentally, they were both likely letter candidates as well.</p>
<p>To the Question About Orientation: </p>
<p>If you're talking about Cornell Days, I would highly recommend it, you'll meet freshman who can really show you what cornell is like. </p>
<p>If you're talking about Orientation week in August, then you will benefit from going to the various events, as there is free food, and you receive your certificates etc. Also, you get to meet the leaders of the programs you are part of and your fellow peers. It is by no means required though, just highly recommended.</p>