Cornell vs Georiga Tech

College Search & Selection
1

<p>So I've narrowed my choice to Cornell vs GT for engineering. Basically I love both schools and they have great programs for what I want, but there is one major pro/con for both.
Cornell: 20,000 more per year, but has more diverse clubs/classes, seemed more laid-back/less competitive than GT
GT: cheaper, but not as much variety for interests. Also just talking to people who go to both places, Tech seems to be harder and have no grade inflation compared to Cornell. </p>

<p>I don't think I'm that smart, but I could probably work hard at Tech. At the same time I think Cornell is the "total package" but at 80K extra, I don't know if it's worth it, because essentially I would just be paying for the extra stuff (clubs/social life/interesting non-engineering classes). So basically Tech makes sense financially, but I'm still not sure... I know I should take reviews with a grain of salt, but seriously the harsh online reviews about Tech being an impossible pit of misery have got me freaking out.</p>

2

<p>What does $80,000 mean for you and your family? Would it be mostly debt, or require your parents to compromise retirement planning or put their financial future at risk, or would your parents consider it like pocket change? The answer to this question is relevant to your decision.</p>

3

<p>@ucbalumnus It’s not pocket change, but it’s not debt either. My dad’s showed me the financials and we <em>have</em> the money saved specifically for my college fund (as in, it wouldn’t be drawing from other sources). At the same time, I’m the first of 3 siblings going to college and 80K saved definitely would help.</p>