Hi guys. I am lucky enough to have been accepted to both Johns Hopkins and Cornell for Mechanical Engineering. Because of my financial situation, cost will be close to equal at both schools. I have a special interest in engineering research and hope to pursue grad school. I have not been able to visit either school and probably will not due to the current pandemic. But I know the two schools are great in engineering. Cornell seems to be slightly better in MechE but Johns Hopkins seems to be a bit better in research. Would I have a better chance to get into undergrad research at Hopkins in MechE or is there no difference here? I like the area of Ithaca better than Maryland but Cornell is just too big for my taste. It’s not a deal breaker, but the size of John’s Hopkins is perfect. I’m not too concerned about the stress culture at either school because engineering is stressful anywhere. And because I love stress sooo much, what do you guys think about pursuing a language. I have studied a foreign language in high school and would like to continue. Maybe study abroad. Is this reasonable while trying to pursue engineering at a rigorous school like JHU or Cornell?
If the money is equal and it seems the programs are pretty close to each other it depend on other things, do you like a city or the suburbs ? JH is kinda of gated in a not so great area of Baltimore while Cornell is beautiful in the fall, colder in the winter and in a small city environment I would not worry about size as engineers tend to stay to themselves.
I would go with Cornell bc it is a ivy and that holds weight more so than JH. You have great choices, take the vitural tours and good luck
It’s pretty clear that your gut is saying JHU, so go to Hopkins and don’t look back. Every school has strengths and weaknesses, so gut intuition is probably one of the most important indicators. School is more about what you make of it than the school name itself.
As for language, it will depend on the available space in your curriculum. In general though I don’t think it’s a fruitful use of time and money when you consider the potential courses you’ll displace and the fact that you can improve conversationally on your own.
Good luck!
I’m confused as to how you got into both Cornell and Johns Hopkins at this point in the admissions process? Cornell and JHU has binding admissions plans, and Cornell will not be releasing decisions until March, 26th at 7:00 pm. 
Congrats, though. That is super thrilling! Both schools are amazing.
Cornell sent me a likely letter and Hopkins Rd decision date was last Friday
Do you guys think the research or general opportunities at one school or the other would improve grad school odds or is it more what I put in?
you are a smart kid you got in 2 great schools so it is what you put in to it, which one are you drawn to?
Both great schools. Congrats!
For mech e I give Cornell the edge on their program but you will do great no matter which you choose.
Personally I would think more about the fit. Small, urban campus vs larger sprawling rural campus.
Update: I committed to Johns Hopkins and will be majoring in Engineering Mechanics. Thank you to everyone for their input.