Hi! How well regarded is Cornell Engineering at the undergraduate level? I’m specifically interested in learning about how a Cornell undergrad Engineering degree is viewed by grad schools and employers. Especially for ChemE, CS, EnvE, and ORIE? Thanks so much!
It is very well-regarded.
@boneh3ad Will I be at a disadvantage relative to engineers at other top engineering schools like MIT? I really love Cornell for its campus vibe and natural beauty. However, I know MIT is generally ranked #1 in the nation. I just want to make sure I will have the same opportunities as a Cornell Engineer as I will as an MIT Engineer.
If you plan to go into industry, it won’t really matter whether you attend a top 5 program or whether you attend a top 150. What will matter is your experience and whether or not you have the skills necessary for a particular job. If you plan on grad school, name might matter a little bit, but your research experience is most important and both schools will position you well.
Cornell has a very highly regarded engineering program. It’s academically tough, but so is MIT. Both have very competitive admissions (I think MIT admit rate < 10%). So make sure your list of school also has “match” and “safety” choices.
@colorado_mom is spot on. You can want to go to those schools and have the stats to be within the grouping of GPAs and test scores they accept and still not get in. In fact, fully qualified, it’s still far more likely that you won’t get in. Why? They get too many fully qualified candidates. The other issue is that neither will offer merit aid. Have a safety or two. That means a school you know you’ll get into AND you know you’ll be able to afford. Ideally, they will also be schools you are very interested in. The selectivity of a program should have very little bearing on how you assess if the program will be a good fit for you. Good luck!
You worry too much. This isn’t business schools. Graduates of most ABET accredited programs will have similar opportunities with the primary difference being geographical. At the level you are discussing, though, those schools’ graduates will have opportunities nationwide. Go to the school where you feel at home and can afford.
The Ithaca area around Cornell is stunning. (We used to live an hour away). Winters can be dreary, but if you love the place, you probably will be fine. We’ll assume you also have non-stretch schools on your list too. If not, we can help there too.
Yeah I think I want to apply to Cornell ED for Engineering. I am impressed by everything Cornell has to offer: top research, natural beauty, and social quirky students. I appreciate the reassurance that I’ll have similar opportunities at Cornell than I’ll have at other ABET schools. I’m a NY Resident so I plan on applying to SUNY Binghamton and SUNY Albany as safeties. Any other recommendations on less selective ABET engineering schools would be appreciated.
I’ve got a friend that went to Binghamton for his BS and then Caltech for his PhD. That ought to illustrate how you aren’t giving up graduate school opportunities.
@boneh3ad That’s very encouraging. I haven’t visited Binghamton yet, but I will next Summer. Is Binghamton an ABET school?
Yes. Just go to ABET’s website and look it up if you have more questions about other schools.
Are there any less selective schools for a future engineer that you’d recommend? Preferably schools where I can qualify for merit aid?
Rochester, but it is not massively less selective, however, they offer merit aid.
Very different from UR or Cornell, but Lafayette also offers merit aid (Marquis scholarship and maybe one more?). Tulane awards $25-$30K/year for high SAT/ACT scores. You would still have more a hefty price tag, but if you are looking for merit and cannot qualify for FA, then might be worth considering.
Are you NMSF? USC offers automatic half tuition scholarship to NMF.
Not an all-inclusive list.
I’m currently a junior lol. I’m just interested in learning more about engineering colleges. I’m probably thinking too much in advance, but I would (like many other HSers) love to get into Cornell Engineering.
If merit aid matters, make sure the PSAT in two weeks. Not too soon to be thinking, if money is an issue.
I am taking the PSAT in two weeks.
What score is generally needed for at least NMSF in NY?
Other schools - Clarkson, RPI (both mostly STEM students) and Northeastern (great co-op programs).
@colorado_mom Thanks so much! Also, do you (or anyone else) have any important info or advice a potential engineering major should know in terms of applying to top programs like Cornell?