Cornell or Rice (engineering)?

College Search & Selection
1

I apologize for the long post and thank you in advance for any of your advice.

I’m lucky enough to have been accepted to two great engineering programs and now I’m faced with the difficulty of choosing where to attend.

I applied as a MechE major but I’m basically an undecided. I know that I want to major in a STEM field, but that could be some engineering discipline, computer science, or I’m even considering some kind of math/econ degree preparing for a job in quantitative finance.

To make a long story short, I’m basically trying to weigh the quality of life at Rice versus the reputation and slightly higher rankings of Cornell. I know Rice has great engineering, but I feel that Cornell is a bit more well-rounded in other areas and that would provide me with more options if I were to deviate from the engineering path.

I’ve visited both schools and I must admit I like Rice and their residential college system and how the small population really makes it feel like I could get all the individual attention I would ever need and just their general quality of life, in a nicer climate, near the metropolis of Houston. On the flip side, I enjoyed my Cornell visit a lot and feel that I would be able to find things to do there for 4 years especially considering that the larger population means there are more people to meet and in general life in Ithaca revolves around college students.

My biggest concern is that Rice would put me at a disadvantage in returning to the northeast (I’m from NJ) post-graduation compared to Cornell. I really don’t see myself working for an oil company in the south. I know this stereotype is not the majority, but I think the averages safely demonstrate that Cornell graduates have an easier time finding jobs in the northeast. So I guess my question is how big of a difference do you think Cornell makes in terms of employability in the northeast and is it worth the step down in the quality of life?

Also, if anyone has any input on how the two schools would affect getting into a grad school that would be greatly appreciated. Cornell is sort of famous for grade deflation and brutal curves, do grad schools and employers take these kinds of things into account? Assuming equal effort, is it ok to assume that the undergraduate GPAs at both schools would also be about equal. Or is it possible that Rice has an advantage here since it seems like students have a better connection with professors and could potentially have a higher chance of getting quality letters of recommendation?

By the way, the prices are within $2k so that’s not a deciding factor.

Thanks again and I’m going to post this in the Rice and Cornell forums so I apologize if people come across this multiple times.

2

They are on the same tier. Nobody cares about the slight rankings differential.

Cornell would have a bigger alumni base in the Northeast. For engineering, that’s not going to matter. For other fields? Who knows. But I would advise you not to make assumptions, such as . .

“I think the averages safely demonstrate that Cornell graduates have an easier time finding jobs in the northeast.”

Then you need to learn more about statistics.

If costs are the same, go with fit and your gut. You’re less likely to hate yourself.

3

PurpleTitan, thanks for the advice.

4

Grade deflation at Cornell is more myth than fact. Grade deflation in engineering (anywhere) is not. Your grad school concerns should be put aside - no advantage either way. Quality of life, stress levels, are in my experience noticeably better at Rice. Will you possibly compromise some employment opportunities back in the NE by going to school outside the country (Texas)? Possibly. You should research where Rice engineering grads head after school, keeping in mind that many are from the area and desire to stay locally.

5

The environments, weather, vibes, and housing are said to be quite different.

These two are obviously close enough in cost and academic rep that you should decide entirely based on fit:

  1. Academics
  2. Which school offers more of the classes you're looking for?
  3. If different, which school's academic calendar do you prefer?
  4. Which set of distribution requirements do you prefer?
  5. At which school would it be more difficult to change majors if you changed your mind?
  6. Which offers more undergrad research opportunities?
  7. Which seems more undergrad-focused?
  8. Environmental
  9. Which weather do you prefer?
  10. Which campus do you prefer -- beauty, size, convenience, etc.?
  11. Which surrounding/nearby city or town do you prefer?
  12. Which location is better for your interests?
  13. Social
  14. Which sports scene do you prefer?
  15. Which Greek/party scene do you prefer?
  16. Which general social vibe -- relaxed, stressful, welcoming, sporty, nerdy, mainstream, etc. -- do you prefer?
  17. Which campus and surrounding area provides more of the the things you like to do? (in this case, city stuff vs. outdoors stuff)
  18. Dorms & Food

…and anything else you think is important.

6

Choose Cornell. I know it’s a lot to take in given your circumstance, but trust me. Based on everything you wrote, especially the part about how you’re still undecided on your major. If you’re undecided, the ranking of the engineer major doesn’t matter at all. Because you never know what field you’ll end up diving into. Both schools are phenomenal for the STEM field so it really is a 50-50. What matters is the opportunities and life you think you’ll have at each school and weighing it based on that. New York vs. Texas. Bigger school vs smaller school. More students vs. less students total. In the end, I have a feeling you will choose Cornell and I really hope you do because you will enjoy it very much there. :slight_smile: best of luck.