Hi guys. I’ve been accepted to Michigan LSA (still to hear back about the Honors Program) and to Cornell’s CALS. I got into Michigan EA and kinda had my mind set on attending there seeing as the ivy applications were a crap shoot. But now that I’ve been accepted to Cornell and I’m to visit both schools in the next few weeks, I’d really love some outside opinions and experiences on the two universities. I can easily see myself getting into the large state school vibe of Michigan with the social scene, sports, and of course the facilities and top academics, but I can’t help but feel like I shouldn’t turn my head from the “ivy prestige” that Cornell has to offer, even if it’s in a more rural area with a much smaller undergrad student body size. My dad keeps telling me to think about the job prospects I get from the school I attend, but would the large alumni network at Michigan cancel out the Ivy brand name for recruiting? I know after I visit both that I’ll be able to tell which one I enjoyed being at more, but I’m hoping you guys can fill me in on things that I’d miss in a one day visit of each school. Also, I applied for biological sciences to both schools but I’ve been having second thoughts on my major and want the ability to change it when I get to university. So I’m wondering how restricted I’ll be at CALS seeing as I would need an internal transfer to get into Arts and Sciences at Cornell, whereas there are way more majors on offer in the LSA School at Michigan. I’m from NY so Cornell is in-state, but my financial aid comes out to roughly the same for both schools (and I guess this is another complication if I want to transfer out of CALS at Cornell). Any suggestions at all? Anything would be appreciated and thanks in advance.
@PBatemann, You are doing exactly what you should be. Using the month of April to visit the schools you are choosing from and see which one you can see yourself at for the next 4 years. Opinions on future job prospects, ease of transferring, etc. is just guesswork from those responding. I noticed you posted this on the UM thread and of course, UM alumni say there is no “ivy prestige”. My daughter was in the same boat. NY resident and got into both schools. She will be attending Cornell in the fall. I’m sure after your visits you will have a better idea. It’s a nice dilema to have.
Good luck!
I think if you should transfer out of CALS then your FA should cover the additional cost because Cornell’s aid is based on need.
You are not restricted at taking courses from CALS. You are allowed to take courses at 6 other schools as long as you meet their requirements (pre-requisites). You can also do a minor at another school.
The only reason I would suggest Michigan over Cornell would be the cost, even then I would stretch for my kid to go to Cornell. If it is NU I may pause for a moment.
For many programs, your job prospects are going to be very similar going to Michigan or Cornell, and what will really matter is what you do with the opportunities you have. The schools are close enough in rankings that you can safely forget about the issue of “prestige” and pick one based on how much you like the environment.
D was accepted at both Michigan and Cornell. We live in Michigan, and have spent plenty of time on the Michigan campus. Best to visit and talk to as many current and prospective students as possible when you visit. We picked up a very different vibe at Cornell than Michigan, and my D is going to Cornell.
Michigan is a hell of a school, but it honestly depends on how you fit in.
So,@PBatemann, where are you going ??