Cornell vs. Chicago

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Yes, Chicago, you guessed it, this is about Economics.</p>

<p>I've heard Chicago has the finest Econ department, but if I like Cornell more, would it really be a bad move to go to Cornell? I mean it's an Ivy league school, so I'd probably have MORE job connections right? I could also take business, accounting, management classes within the Applied Econ and Management major at Cornell because you can cross-register between colleges.</p>

<p>Just wanted everyone's opinion, May'll be here soon</p>

2

<p>Chicago's at the top, but Cornell's no slouch, either. Cornell econ department is pretty great, and would've been much better regarded if it included all the other economists in the university, who are dispersed throughout other departments like ILR and AEM. Overall, the difference in econ is not nearly large enough to base a decision on.</p>

3

<p>Chicago is probably in the top 5 for undergraduate economics but Cornell is still ranked top 20 for undergrad econ. Cornell is a wonderful university. Beautiful campus. Most everything you said about Cornell is true, although I simply don't know about job connections. I would prefer the Cornell environment to the Chicago environment.</p>

4

<p>Pick the school on fit and (if applicable) financial aid. Where would you be more comfortable at?</p>

<p>Chicago is as well known and connected by the academic and business community as Cornell is. However, If you think you might switch to engineering, do Cornell.</p>

<p>Chicago's economics is really math-oriented. You'll be using multivariable calculus in your first required economics class (Econ 20000). I don't know if that appeals to the OP. I don't know about Cornell's Econ curriculum.</p>

5

<p>from what i've read it's more of social science than hardcore math at Cornell, they say on the website you only need one Calculus class with basic differential calculus. I don't know how much this matters though in terms of employment</p>

6

<p>If you plan on going to graduate school in economics, the math-oriented focus at Chicago will be advantageous.</p>

7

<p>I'm not interested in getting a PhD in Econ, just a good job after graduation and possibly an MBA</p>

8

<p>Pick Chicago so I have a better chance on the Cornell waitlist. Just kidding. I applied engineering, anyway.</p>

<p>Boo today.</p>

9

<p>Cornell. The difference isn't great enough to give up the school you like more.</p>

10

<p>^^ agreed. Chicago may be at the top in this area, but an education at Cornell is awesome anyway.</p>

11

<p>Chicago: better location, better school, and a better econ department.</p>

12

<p>Econ dept rank doesn't help you get a job. This is a myth. Unless you want a PhD in econ or work at an econ thinktank its practically irrelevant. The OVERALL university reputation is what gets you into professional school and gets you a job (why do you think Dartmouth, Williams, and Amherst do so well in business). So if you like Cornell more go there.</p>

13

<p>Can't believe there is even a debate between Cornell and UChicago when it comes to econ. Who said Uchicago's job placement in the business world is worse than most of the ivies and little ivies? Post your data.</p>

14

<p>Visit both. Many people visit UChicago and hate the campus. Cornell and Chicago also have pretty different student bodies. Really, it won't matter one bit which school you go to in terms of the job market, but it will matter where you go because you will do better where you are happier and make more connections and friendships.</p>

15

<p>actually at Cornell I would consider an Econ/Mathematics double major</p>

16

<p>
[quote]
Really, it won't matter one bit which school you go to in terms of the job market, but it will matter where you go because you will do better where you are happier and make more connections and friendships.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>I agree 100% When you are dealing with two such excellent schools, how you do is going to be the important factor, not which one you go to. So visit, if you haven't, and try to figure out which enviorment will be better for you! I say this esp. because you are dealing with UChicago...many people love the enviorment, but others hate it.</p>

17

<p>Data mostly drawn from USNWR</p>

<p>OBJECTIVE DATA</p>

<p>Undergraduate Enrollment:
Cornell: 13,515 U Chicago: 4671</p>

<p>Cost (Tuition & Fees):
Cornell: $32,981 U Chicago: $34,005</p>

<p>Graduation & Retention Rank
Cornell: 15th U Chicago: 20th
-% of Students expected to graduate in 6 years:
Cornell: 90% U Chicago: 91%
-% of students who do graduate in 6 years:
Cornell: 92% U Chicago: 91%</p>

<p>Faculty Resources Rank:
Cornell: 11th U Chicago: 6th
-% of classes with 50+ students
Cornell: 15% U Chicago: 5%
-% of classes with <20 students
Cornell: 61% U Chicago: 66%
-Faculty/student ratio
Cornell: 10/1 U Chicago: 7/1</p>

<p>Student Selectivity Rank:
Cornell: 22nd (tied) U Chicago: 22nd (tied)
-Average SAT/ACT:
Cornell: 1290-1480 U Chicago: 1350-1530
-% of students ranking in top 10% of high school class
Cornell: 81% U Chicago: 79%
-% acceptance rate
Cornell: 27% U Chicago: 40%</p>

<h1>of National Merit Scholars in 2005 (% of student body)</h1>

<p>Cornell: 45 (0.33%) U Chicago: 196 (4.20%)</p>

<p>Financial Resources Rank:
Cornell: 18th U Chicago: 10th </p>

<p>Alumni Giving % and Rank:
Cornell: 35% (16th) U Chicago: 33% (20th) </p>

<p>SUBJECTIVE DATA</p>

<p>Peer Assessment:
Cornell: 4.6 U Chicago: 4.7</p>

<p>As others have already noted and as the numbers above reinforce, the quantitative differences are relatively small. Neither is clearly a superior choice although U Chicago's smaller size and modestly stronger "average" student could make it a more appealing academic environment. For job placement, both schools have national reputations and there would not be a significant difference although U Chicago is likely much stronger in Chicago and the Midwest. Cornell has a large NYC alumni base and this could be valuable for recruiting opportunities on Wall Street and other jobs in this area. </p>

<p>It has been mentioned that some have visited U Chicago's campus and found it unappealing. I might also add that, to some students, Cornell's location in remote Ithaca is also unappealing.</p>