Cornell or Pitt...

<p>I was recently accepted to both of these schools, and I am completely torn in my decision.<br>
Pitt offered me a half tuition merit scholarship, so I would be paying more than $20,000 less to go to Pitt than Cornell, whose financial aid package was not that great for me. I visited Pitt a few days ago, and everyone seems so happy there. I love the school spirit and the fact that it's in Pittsburgh and there's always something to do. At the same time, I am extremely lucky to have been accepted to Cornell's Engineering school, and I know some would think I'm crazy for not immediately choosing to go Ivy League if I have the chance. My major would be Bioengineering/Biomedical Engineering, which both schools have great programs in - though I know Cornell's Engineering school is stronger overall, among the best in the country. The reason I am debating between the two, aside from the obvious price disparity, is that I've heard Cornell's workload is horrible and oppressing and that a lot of people who go there become depressed as a result. Also, like I said, I love Pitt's city atmosphere and school spirit, which I know Cornell doesn't have as much of. Above all, though academics are important to me, I want to go somewhere where I will be happy. I'm not a genius by any standard and am afraid I'd feel especially depressed by Cornell's workload/not be able to understand stuff, etc. I'd appreciate any input from students from either school! Thanks :) </p>