Cornell or New College?

<p>I got accepted to both schools and it's a tough decision. They both have their pros and cons. I like how ncf is small and how you interact with your professors + study abroad opportunities. Cornell is huge on research, and I think I will definitely have something to look forward there. New College doesn't have grades, which freaks me out in a way. If I want to go to graduate school I want to be a good candidate; I hope evaluations aren't looked down upon by many institutions. I don't know if I'll necessarily fit in at New College. I am more introverted and like to keep to myself. I don't like to participate/show off in-front of the classroom, that's just not me. At Cornell, I fear that I'll just be the average student. Decisions, decisions... does anyone have any input?</p>

<p>I’ve been to both, Cornell for a summer program and I’ve visited (and am attending) New College next semester. These schools are pretty night/day, but in terms of graduate school admissions, New College is actually very good for graduate school due to its academic intensity, it was ranked 2nd in the nation for “sending students to elite medical, law, and business graduate schools” for public schools, while Cornell has that “brand name” coolness to it, and it’s pretty intellectually intense also. Mind you, I’ve been in the same boat as you in choosing between the two since I’m a transfer, but New College I’ve heard doesn’t mind introverts, and it’s research is dependent on the program, but generally good. So to summarize, graduate schools like both, but going to new college won’t harm your chances (it might help!), they’re both intellectually intense, but New College has a bit of a ‘vibe’ to it, socially, which when I visited has some getting used to, both schools have amazing people and great profs, so it’s down to you, factor in cost, future opportunity, and even weather (probably 99% of the reason why I chose to leave the north), and you’ll make a good choice.</p>

<p>This two colleges are so different. It really depends on what you want your college experience to be like. I think you’ll find both places intellectually stimulating. At Cornell, you will have the opportunity to take classes with profs who are well-known in their fields…but the classes will be large, especially in the early years. At New College, classes will be small and you will probably have the same prof for more than one course, so they will really get to know you personally…something that makes a big difference when it comes time for letters of recommendation.</p>

<p>At Cornell, you will gain connections that will help you get placed in internships, etc. They also have an excellent support system for their students. While New College students do get placed in elite programs, they pretty much do everything on their own with very little support from the school.</p>

<p>Cornell will be more structured with traditional college activities and organizations. New College is very informal. There are traditions, but they’re a bit different from the norm at other schools.</p>

<p>Also, everyone will have heard of Cornell and be quite impressed when you tell them that’s where you are a student. Most people have not heard of New College, but the ones that matter do know and are quite impressed.</p>

<p>So your decision really boils down to what do you want out of your college experience. It would probably help to know what your intended area of concentration would be and if finances are important to your decision. Weather shouldn’t really be a factor, but winters are rough at Cornell and quite nice in Sarasota.</p>

<p>Thank you both for your replies. I’m a Florida resident and come from a low income family, therefore, New College would be more affordable. I chose to major in Biology/Biomedical sciences at New College and Animal Science at Cornell. Money is a a huge issue. I don’t want to take out a lot of loans, especially during undergrad. I’m hoping that Cornell will give out great need based aid, preferably grants. I have a decision to make soon. New College wants me to place a tuition deposit soon. I eventually want to go to veterinary school. I have been a vet intern for a while. If I choose to go to Sarasota, I will see if I can get an internship at an aquarium of some sort. If there was a zoo, I would aim for that. I really don’t care where I go to as long as I become a veterinarian, though I must admit it would be absolutely amazing to get into Cornell’s vet school (#1 in the country!)</p>

<p>For your area of interest New College may actually be a solid choice, even if all things are equal with $. They do have quite a notable program involving dolphin and other aquatic species research…one of the profs is quite well known for it. The students I have known with bio majors at New College have actually done quite well and had some very interesting research opportunities…you may want to contact the dean of the department to get more info. There is also the Mote Aquarium nearby where some students work. But the Cornell vet school would be excellent…you should check, though, to make sure they matriculate their grads into the vet school. Many Ivys have the philosophy that their grads should go to a different Ivy for post grad studies. Not sure if that would be true for vet school though…so you should check. You may also want to ask the dean at the vet Cornell vet school what they are looking for in an applicant.</p>

<p>If finances are a problem and Cornell doesn’t meet your needs, I would advise going to New College and not have to worry about loans in undergrad…you will have plenty ahead of you in vet school. You will get an excellent education with no financial stress…or travel, weather, etc. Also, if you explain your situation to your admissions officer at New College, they will give you an extension to submit your deposit. My D had to do that and they were really great about it.</p>

<p>^ I visited with my parents. The students offered them marijuana. It was a bit awkward. I mainly applied to ncf for their academics. I felt a little uncomfortable there. The students that I talked to were friendly. They told me that there’s a huge drug scene and some “different” themed walls and palm court parties. Honestly, I don’t know if it’s my life style. I’m not interested in hooking up with anyone or doing drugs. The students also stated that everyone is weird in some way and they know if you don’t fit in. Honestly, the drugs are at every school I visited, but not as open as New College. In fact there was a theme party called “sex and candy” that everyone is invited to. I don’t have time to go to these sort of events, nor would I want to. If I attend this school, I don’t think many people would be compatible to me. Unfortunately, even though the academics sound tempting the vibe makes me wary.</p>

<p>Things are definitely all out in the open at New College, not behind closed doors like other schools. Fortunately, not everyone is into drugs, or if they are, it’s not an everyday thing…it can’t be for them to survive more than 2 semesters there. The coursework is extremely rigorous though there are no grades and profs for the most part (though I’m sure there are exceptions) require much of a student in order to sat (pass) a contract. The students that think they are coming to New College to party, don’t last past the first semester. There are a number of students with a “work hard, party hard” attitude, but there are also plenty that are more low key. You will find not everyone goes to the walls or goes to them high (you can just go to dance or hang out with friends and still have fun). But one nice thing about the walls is that everyone in the school is invited, no one is left out. Also, while many students do drink, etc., they don’t pressure you to partake if you don’t want to. They may offer it, but there’s also no social stigma in not joining in. In fact, there’s a fairly strong “straight edge” population at the school.</p>

<p>Students at New College will definitely stand-out as more quirky than most schools, but that’s really more due to the culture of acceptance and appreciation of people’s individuality. If you enjoy getting dressed up for class, it’s fine. If you like going barefoot in PJ’s to class, it’s fine. Anything goes and you will likely see anything. But you are also free to be who you are and no one will judge you or not include you for it.</p>

<p>I understand your concerns, but really there are plenty of students there that you will find you have much in common with.</p>

<p>I graduated from New College years ago. Don’t worry about grad schools; they all know New College. My husband got his PhD at Johns Hopkins. </p>

<p>The weird people will stand out at any school. Don’t let this stop you from going to New College. There are plenty of normal, shy people there (at least there were when I was there) including myself. I loved college and look back at it as some of the best years of my life. </p>

<p>If you are from Florida you might have a rude awakening, weather-wise, up in Cornell. Then again, you might love it. For a few years, once he left Florida for the north, my husband loved the cold and snow. Then he got over it. Sarasota is quite a nice Florida city.</p>

<p>I’d advise you NOT to go into great debt to go to Cornell over New College. It will strangle you for the rest of your life. If Cornell is giving you lots of money, then go for it. But if you can’t afford Cornell without going into debt, know that New College is a fantastic choice.</p>

<p>I’m a graduate student at Cornell who did his undergrad work at New College. I feel that New College provides a more intellectually enriching overall experience, but that Cornell is better for one’s career. The average undergrad Cornellian is more mainstream and less interested in extracurricular philosophical discussions than the average Novo Collegian. Frankly as a Teaching Assistant at the ILR School, I am often underwhelmed by my students. New College, on the other hand, had some of the most impressive and inspiring minds I had ever been exposed to.</p>

<p>New College is great at getting people into academic graduate programs and law school, but we don’t fare as well with other professional programs such as business, vet, and med school. For pre-vet, Cornell is decidedly better. Vet School admission can be very difficult for Novo Collegians, though there is a Novo Collegian at Cornell Vet right now. </p>

<p>Based on the posts in this thread, I would have to agree with redpoint. Cornell looks like the better fit for you, but only go if they are giving you a lot of money.</p>

<p>I know this thread was started a year ago, but I’ll go ahead and say a few things for the readers out there. </p>

<p>I’m an upcoming sophomore at New College, where most students consider me mainstream, “normal,” and pretty socially conservative. I’ll admit, beginning of my first year, I doubted I would be able to adapt to the culture. Then I just decided to make the most of it, get out of my comfort zone, and make as many friends as possible. My first year at New College ended up being among of the best I’ve ever had. </p>

<p>There’s an active drug culture, but no one’s pressured to participate. I’ve never used drugs, not even had a drop of alcohol–even though I’ve gone to most of the walls (weekend parties at school). </p>

<p>Of course, the academics are rigorous, and first-year students often underestimate them and then flunk out. Though they’re not designed to prepare you for work right after undergrad, they more than benefit you when you’re preparing for graduate/professional schools. So many students get accepted to prestigious programs, (even outside the United States)…and not to mention Fulbright. </p>

<p>Basically… whether or not you succeed at New College and enjoy your experience wholly depends on your attitude :)</p>

<p>While the academics and financial aid is good, I can guarantee that you will be sick and tired of the social environment there. Because it’s so small, rumors spread so quickly, judgments are made, conclusions jumped to, everyone knows everyone’s business, etc. The kids here are generally petty, self-absorbed, pretentious, “fake hippies,” over-reactive, belligerent, and completely disconnected from anything outside the college (i.e., the community, which many of them love to rail about considering the social inequalities around them, but they always fail to do anything about it). Save yourself the frustration and anxiety and transfer as quickly as you can, or go to another school.
(I’m a rising senior at NCF)</p>