<p>One real downside with languages at a LAC is the lack (pun intended) of advanced language courses. What I mean is that a larger Uni will have advanced grammar and other language-type courses whereas a LAC goes right into upper division foreign language Lit. While nothing wrong with Spanish Lit (in this case) per se, it won’t necessarily get you fluent.</p>
<p>Of course, Dartmouth has much stronger Language department that a small school in western Mass. :)</p>
<p>Just popped over to the Dartmouth forum where OP posted the same question, nothing but nice things to say about Cornell (not sure how long it’ll last). Most people told him to go to Cornell if it’s a better fit. </p>
<p>What and how people post on each school’s forum says a lot about the kind of students it admits. There are two forums where students are outright rude to high schooler. Glad to see Cornell Forum in general is fairly civilized.</p>
<p><em>cough U Penn cough</em></p>
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<p>As I said:</p>
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<p>But the OP can’t go wrong either way. Except maybe if they like hockey. And farmer’s markets. And universities founded in the 19th century.</p>
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<p>thanks for all the responses everyone. it seems like I would really be happy at either school, but one thing I noticed at Cornell was that there are a lot of people who are not all that happy–maybe because of the academic vigor, maybe because of the weather, i’m not sure, but at Dartmouth it seems like it’s the opposite. everyone is always really really happy. of course I met people at Cornell who are really happy to be there, but I also met a lot of people who were kind of lukewarm about their time in Ithaca. thoughts?</p>
<p>I heard everyone at Dartmouth is very happy too… but the choice is up to you :)</p>
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<p>Here is a Dartmouth pros/cons post from their forum:
[post=1165904]Dartmouth Pros & Cons[/post]</p>
<p>Relative to Ithaca, their weather and location are as cold, and perhaps more remote. Both schools are great, however, and I agree with those who suggest choosing the school that suites your personality best. Do you want the incredible range of high-quality options that a university such as Cornell provides, or would you rather have a more LAC like excellent college?</p>
<p>my tour guide at Dmouth was a senior, and he seemed kind of jaded by the party/social scene there. He said it was fun for the first 2 years, then it got old for the last 2 and he spent a lot of his time studying instead of going out. Maybe you met the underclassmen to whom the party scene was still novel…</p>
<p>government is strong at cornell</p>
<p>music is strong at both</p>
<p>take your pick</p>
<p>One factor that hasn’t been mentioned yet is the academic calendar. Cornell has a conventional one. Dartmouth has its quarter system. Is this difference important to you?</p>