<p>I know there's another thread comparing the two schools, but this is with regard to their biology programs (neuroscience specifically). At Penn, I'd do the Biological Basis of Behavior major. Cornell doesn't have an equivalent program, only the Bio major with a program of study in Neurobiology and Behavior. Some people have told me that it's better to get a comprehensive study in bio (at Cornell), but I'd be getting that background anyway because I plan on doing premed and studying general bio regardless. So which program is better for what I want to study? And on a seperate note, how do the social atmospheres compare?</p>
<p>i think you can take courses on cognitive science and psychology in cornell's other departments as well. check it out on the course listings; they're actually very interesting and ties in closely with neuro/behavior. im on the same boat as you - neuroscience. generally i believe cornell offers a lot more opportunities and more interesting/diverse courses in bio to pick from. i believe it's a lot more acclaimed for bio than penn</p>
<p>I don't know... Penn's BBB major is specifically about neuroscience, so it's got breadth and depth of course selection. I've looked at the course catalogues of several schools, and to be honest, I don't see much of a difference between them, let alone between Penn's and Cornell's. Sure, Cornell has CALS, but Penn is part of the Quaker consortium and I could take classes at three other colleges (including Swarthmore). I feel like after researching so many schools I'm not finding many discriminating factors between them. So what distinguishing features does Cornell have, specifically Cornell's bio program? Even if you can't tell me about Cornell or Penn specifically, what qualities should I be looking into when researching these schools further?</p>
<p>Although it was a very long time ago, I went to Cornell for my undergraduate degree (in what is now called AEM) and Wharton for my MBA. You are going to get a great education at both schools - there really won't be much of a difference. In my opinion you should be looking at quality of life issues for an undergrad and that will require your visiting both schools. You should take into consideration being West Philly vs. Ithaca, housing, dining, etc... You won't make a bad educational decision with either university.</p>
<p>Definitely visit Cornell and Penn even if you have already seen the schools. As the schools are so close academically, your decision will depend on the other (e.g., social) factors.</p>