Cornell University - College of Human Ecology

I’m highly considering applying to Cornell ED for either Arts and Sciences or Human Ecology. I’m interested in public policy, so I would major in Policy Analysis and Management if I end up at HumEc. I’ve heard that the college consists of mostly females and New York residents, since it is a contract college. I’ve also been told that there is a noticeable demarcation between Engineering/Arts and Sciences students and contract college students (Hotel, Agriculture, HumEc, etc.). I’m from out of state and I really value diversity so I’m not sure if I would feel a bit isolated at HumEc. But I like that it is much smaller than Arts and Sciences, so I’d probably get more attention from professors and have greater access to research opportunities and such. I was wondering if anyone could tell me a bit more about the student culture at HumEc, as well as the academic rigor.
I have a 32 ACT and I am a legacy, and my college counselor says my chances are pretty good at either A&S or HumEc. Any insight on HumEc or Arts and Sciences would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

I’d move this to the Cornell page since it is so school specific.

good idea–thanks!

My D graduated from CHE in May. She was Human Development major, with a minor in PAM. She was what you fear, a white, NY State, female. She loved CHE, & made full use of their research opportunities (they do more research than any of the other 6 colleges within Cornell). She also took courses through Cornell’s other colleges. The thing about her experience that should ease your angst is that her closest friends did not end up being CHE students. They ended up coming from her extra curricular activities. Her Junior & Senior year roommates were students of a different nationality, and from three different states. She had numerous friends from other counties as well. It did not seem to bother her at all that her closest friends did not end up being CHE students. Hope this helps!

This is really helpful, thank you so much!

Hum Ec is 75% female at the U/G level and 42% of students are from NYS (vs 32% of overall U/G). Agree with @csdad that friends are usually formed via ECs or Greek organizations. I would apply to the one where your interests align with the curriculum.

F admit rate to Hum Ec was 26% last year and A&S was 15.8% so an advantage in Hum Ec.

My daughter is a Freshman PAM major. There are 26 freshman in Pam this year plus some transfers. We are from Florida and so far my daughter loves it!!! There is a lot of diversity in her dorm and in classes. I would suggest that you show how their mission relates to your life mission in your application essay. While we were at orientation a few days ago, the dean mentioned over and over how these students fit with the program.

I can remember our orientation & the CHE Dean saying, “many of us can remember when we went to college & they said, “look to the right, look to the left, one of the three of you won’t be here in 4 years”, if that happens here, we have failed you because our goal is to have all of our students still here in 4 years”. That really impressed me.

Hotel is not a contract college, fyi.

Very important to look not only at the courses for the major, but also at the overall distribution requirements for each college. Arts & Sciences and Human Ecology have different requirements.