<p>I was recently accepted to both Cornell and the University of Virginia, and I'm having a difficult time deciding between the two.
I visited Cornell in the summer and loved it, and I am visiting UVA very soon. I am planning on studying biological sciences (biochemistry), potentially pre-med. Obviously, both schools are great as far as education quality goes, and the campuses are beautiful. </p>
<p>I have heard people rave about both, although I have heard Cornell is very stressful with hefty workloads and super-competitive (bordering on cutthroat) students. On the other hand, I have heard that UVA is rather cliquey.</p>
<p>What are some reasons to choose one over the other? Any input is appreciated.</p>
<p>I do not know about UVA, but I don’t find bio students at Cornell to be cutthroat. in core biology courses like organic chemistry and genetics, I perceive camaraderie as much as anything. you will meet the occasional person who is a bit unpleasant, but they are not your normal student. most people I know are totally willing to help out someone with a question.
I would say that the work is difficult. some people do really well, but with the curves and the abilities of your classmates, you would probably get at least some lower grades. the bio work load isn’t huge because there’s not a lot of mandatory assignments. a lot of my time is spent keeping up with reading and optional problem sets in order to be prepared for exams. that requires self-motivation because there is no set deadline.
hopefully some of that will help. I’m a sophomore bio major, though I’m not doing the biochem program of study, nor have I taken the biochem classes required for all majors yet.</p>
<p>Uh, Virginia got more snow than Ithaca this year. </p>
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<p>The workloads are hefty. But it’s only stressful if you’re the type of person to get stressed out. And I don’t think anybody would describe the atmosphere at Cornell as super-competitive or cutthroat.</p>
<p>UVA has a much more well rounded atmosphere. If you want people messing up your labs and trying to bring you down in a Competitive cutthroat environment, then go ahead…go to Cornell.</p>
<p>As a Virginian who went to UVA’s “Mini-Me,” Wake Forest, I should make you aware that for all its national prominence and excellence, UVA is a Southern university. What you term “cliquey” is a reflection on Southern social status based on socioeconomic stratification along with a strong Greek and preppy focus and relatively lower student diversity. Two-thirds of the students are in-state, and they’re segmented as real Virginians and those from Northern Va who are only technically Virginians. And yes, a blazer, buttondown dress shirt, and tie are standard dress for football games. </p>
<p>I like UVA a lot, had a daughter apply there, and may have a son apply there, but if an egalitarian social structure is important to you, a sense of what makes Southern campuses Southern may be worth knowing.</p>