<p>So I have a unique situation, and I was curious what you all thought about my circumstances. I was accepted to both Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration as well as the University of Michigan's College of Engineering this weekend. (I want to study operations, both have it) </p>
<p>I originally applied to Cornell ED and got deferred, but back then, I thought I wanted to study business operations, and over the last few months, I have realized that industrial and operations engineering is more up my alley. </p>
<p>I love each school for different reasons. A lot of my family has gone to Cornell (4th generation legacy), and I would love to continue the trend. My sister is in an upper tier sorority at Cornell already, so social life would be no problem. The SHA has a very tight alumni network, and it is the best in the nation for what it is. Michigan on the other hand offers state of the art facilities, a fantastic college town, and an amazing IOE program. I also love to watch sports, so that is pulling me in as well. It is far from me though (Im in NJ), and I know almost no one who attends the university.</p>
<p>Basically, I am asking CC what they think the better option is. Over the last few days, people have been sharing their opinions with me left and right, and I know I have a while to decide, so I am going to take my time in making this decision. I want to hear other people's opinions on which school is better/worth the time & money/better options coming out. </p>
<p>This decision seems easy. If you want to study hospitality management go to Cornell, and if you want to study engineering go to Michigan.</p>
<p>I’m confused as to your why you applied to SHA at Cornell, but CoE at Michigan? Why not CoE at both or something business/management related at both? What are you interested in pursuing?</p>
<p>Both are great schools, but these are two very different programs.</p>
<p>I am an alum of both schools. Both are excellent universities, and similar in many ways. You obviously need to wait for your acceptances and financial packages before deciding. Assuming you are admitted into both, and that cost is not a concern, go for whichever school you prefer. Do not assume that you will be locked into the Hotel school. If admitted, you should contact the University to enquire about how, if at all possible, you can go about transferring to the school of engineering. It may be more straightforward than you think. I know the process is pretty straightforward at Michigan, so I would not be surprised if it is at Cornell as well.</p>
<p>I think you need to assess what type of school (engineering or hotel administration) best serves your career goals. IMO an engineering degree is more valuable and versatile, especially if you change your mind about your career ambitions. So that I guess would lend itself to Michigan engineering (which, I’m sure you know, is very highly regarded). </p>
<p>It sounds like socially Cornell would be an easier transition for you given that you already have relations there, you’re a legacy, and you’d be a lot closer to home. Cornell is obviously a great school and in a gorgeous location, but I also think you’d have a great college experience at Michigan. Ann Arbor is almost unbeatable as a college town and it looks like an easy place to have a thriving social life. Plus, it has the largest alumni network in the world if you’re worried about opportunities from alumni networking. </p>
<p>So if I were you, I think I’d choose UMich, but mainly because of the hotel administration v. engineering thing (I actually applied to Cornell’s engineering school). So, if you think you’d be equally well served by Cornell’s Hotel Administration school and are certain about your career path, then I might opt for Cornell instead.</p>