Cornell vs. London School of Economics

Colleges and Universities A-Z Cornell University
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<p>In addition to my U.S. applications, I also applied to some UK universities. I got into the London School of Economics and University College London.
At Cornell, I'd be interested in majoring in either mathematics or statistics (or double-major, if possible). I would also like to take some economics classes. At London School of Economics, I got into "Mathematics with Economics". Now, I don't know where to go. I'm from the Netherlands, so London would be really close (half an hour with the plane, like riding the bus). Also, the bachelor takes only three years in Europe. Finally, LSE is definitely one of the world's leading universities in the social sciences.
Cornell would be awesome because I could take classes in other fields of study (even required) and I could maybe change mind and decide to major in another subject. </p>

<p>Is anyone of you familiar with both the US and the UK college system? Has anyone heard anything very positive or negative about this schools I ought to know before I make my decision? Does anyone know how math at Cornell differs from maths at LSE? How are the employment chances for graduates?</p>

<p>I would really appreciate your help, I have absolutely no idea which school would be a better fit for me. Thanks a lot for any answers and suggestions!!</p>

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<p>Through my research and studying abroad experience, I am a bit familiar with British universities. You have been accepted into world renowned universities, so it really comes down to what YOU want and what will make YOU the most comfortable. </p>

<p>One thing I have noticed about universities in London is that they lack a college environment. UCL/LSE/other university buildings are found all over the city (all over the city might be a bit of an exaggeration), but my point being that there is not an enclosed campus. Students also tend to be very loyal to their department and building, since you only get to take classes in your major. I presume that you will be spending your three years in 2-3 buildings that belong to your department. Also, there seems to be a lot of security in buildings. You need a card to go through a card reader to be able to enter. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but this is quite different for someone coming from Cornell.</p>

<p>Cornell’s campus is huge and it is beautiful. When you are at Cornell, you feel like you are at a university rather than in some building in the middle of a main street. You can go into almost any building to study, to take classes, or just to explore. Cornell is located in the middle of nowhere, so this is something to keep in mind if you are the type of person who can only survive in a big city. Cornell will also give you an opportunity to find new undiscovered interests. There is a lot of room to change your mind about what you want to major. Coming out of Cornell, you will be a more rounded person. </p>

<p>Lastly, where would you like to live after you graduate? If you want to live in the states, Cornell is obviously the better choice. If you want to live in the UK, LSE/UCL would probably be better. If you want to live in the Netherlands, then you probably know better about the reputation of each in your country :)</p>

<p>I would say make pros and cons of the British universities and see where your interest lies. Here are some things to make a list of:</p>

<ol>
<li>Is money an issue? I presume that the British universities will be cheaper for you.</li>
<li>How important is being close to home? 30 mins from home vs. a 10 hour not-so-fun plane right. At Cornell, you will probably get to see your family during the winter and summer breaks…maybe spring break too</li>
<li>Can you survive in a small city, or would you prefer a big city with lots and lots to do?</li>
<li>The campus points mentioned above…what kind of a college experience would you like? </li>
<li>Are you in a rush to graduate? 3 years vs. 4 years? The extra year at Cornell would give you a chance to take courses in other fields. Graduating in 3 years is also very possible at Cornell if you plan properly and fulfill all your requirements in 3 years.</li>
<li>Are you a 100% sure about your major or would you like room to explore?</li>
<li>Where would you like to live after you graduate?</li>
</ol>

<p>You already mentioned some of these points in your post, but I just thought making a list and getting you to answer these questions would help you decide. No one can help you in answering these questions because it all comes down to the type of person you are. I say come to Cornell :smiley: but I love London, haha! Also, I have heard that it’s slightly easier to get into the top British universities than the top American ones, since American universities have more applicants. This might be a myth :smiley: Anyways, congrats and good luck!</p>

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<p>Oh my gosh, I just wrote a whole novel! I am very passionate about this topic, and I have always been interested in London, so this topic really excited me! lol</p>

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<p>thank you very much. it’s kind of you that you took so much time to respond. yea, I have to sleep a few nights over it. Financially, it’s not a big difference. LSE is 8500 pounds tuition fees which is about 13 000 us dollar I reckon. At cornell, I applied for financial aid. I will certainly have to pay some of the tuition fees due to my parents’ income. Also, LSE’s tuition does not cover the living costs, I guess that would be about 7000 pounds in addition. so altogether about 15 500 pounds or 22 000 dollars. I think that would also be my family contribution for cornell.</p>

<p>again, thanks, I’ll think about. At the moment, I tend to cornell due to the reasons you stated (major switching, taking other classes, college feeling, no big city). I’m just a little concerned about Cornell being so famous for greek life, as I probably do not wanna join a fraternity (i dont even know if they would want me as an international student).</p>

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<p>if you’re major concern is really only greek life, that should definitely not stop you from coming to cornell</p>

<p>especially now that they’re basically trying to destroy it…</p>

<p>but that’s another story, anyway, even before all the new rules greek life at cornell, while a large part of the social scene, has never been the end all. a lot of more social students who like parties tend to join greek life, but there is plenty to do on campus no matter what you define as fun…club sports, theater, music, etc. we have a large percentage of people who do join greek life, i think like 30%, but that means 70% of people are having fun without it. the only time there is usually a significant and noticeable difference between those who go greek is usually second semester freshman year when people are pledging…but i feel like this might have changed now, not sure. </p>

<p>additionally, keep in mind that the people who do join greek life here are not necessarily the same as those who do so at other schools. i mean, also, if you’re an international student what is your experience with greek life really, that makes you not like it? greek life at cornell is not like in the movies. keep in mind that it is a system within the Cornell student body, and most people here are academically focused. a lot of them would never had seen themselves as joining a fraternity or sorority elsewhere, but then realize during freshman year that the greek system here is a little different because of the nature of our school, and might be a good way to meet people and have fun.</p>

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<p>“I’m just a little concerned about Cornell being so famous for greek life, as I probably do not wanna join a fraternity (i dont even know if they would want me as an international student).”</p>

<p>Not everyone is involved in Greek life. You will find all sorts of people, interests, and organizations. There is a place for everyone, since the student body is so big. Also, if you were interested in Greek life, I don’t think being an international would be an issue.</p>

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<p>thank you! yea, that makes sense, the other 70% of the students prove that it is possible to attend cornell without joining a fraternity.
and yes, admittedly I am a bit biased when it comes to greek life, maybe I should be more open for it. </p>

<p>btw do you have something like an international club at cornell? like a model UN or something? that would be awesome. and I love going to the gym regularly. are there good facilities at cornell?</p>

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<p>There are about a 1,000 clubs at Cornell. This one might interest you [Cornell</a> Student Activities Office - 2011-2012 - International Affairs Society, Cornell (CIAS)](<a href=“http://sao.cornell.edu/SO/org/11-12/8]Cornell”>http://sao.cornell.edu/SO/org/11-12/8)
Just search for a keyboard and so many organizations will show up :slight_smile:
and yes, Cornell has two main gyms- one on west campus and one on north. The one of west is okay (it has all the machines that a gym should have), but the one on north is amazing :slight_smile: There are also three other gyms, which I have never been to. [CFC</a> Facilities](<a href=“Cornell Fitness Centers | Recreational Services | Cornell University”>Cornell Fitness Centers | Recreational Services | Cornell University)</p>

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<p>thank you :slight_smile: yes, that organization looks indeed interesting! </p>

<p>one more question (sorry, I know I am asking a lot): if I want to receive good grades and succeed in college, will I have enough time for extracurricular activities? like three times a week gym plus international affairs society plus one party a week?</p>

<p>my sister attends college here in amsterdam, and she manages it. unfortunately, i dont know how hard US colleges are compared to european ones. cornell is surely hard, as it is ivy league (dont get me wrong, I think it’s positive if a college is considered hard. after all, I wanna learn a lot and not just party all the time. I just hope that there is still enough time for some sports and social life).</p>

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<p>There are a bunch of fraternities friendly to international students here, so as other people said, let things like academics and finances persuade you (or not) from coming to Cornell.</p>

<p>As to your questions about managing time with a math/stat/econ major, it depends on a lot of things but mainly your previous math prep. Math/econ is relatively hard as a double major - but as a freshman taking mostly intro econ classes and linear algebra (i’m assuming) you will find you have tons of free time. </p>

<p>Your math classes will be in Malott which is basically right next to Teagle on central campus, which is really one of the better gyms on campus. So it won’t be hard to fit in workout time (which honestly more people should be doing).</p>

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<p>Math at Cornell all depends on how good you are at it. Some students see something in lecture once and can apply it easily, others need practice before they are proficient. If you’re the former type in math, you’ll have tons of free time; the latter, not so much. The Econ major is not very time consuming.</p>

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<p>thank you. yes, I agree, it probably depends on how good you are in your major.</p>

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<p>How much extra time you will have really depends on your time management skills, study habits, and your abilities (like others mentioned). No one can study 24/7, so you can definitely spare at least a few hours a week to go to the gym, participate in extracurriculars, and other activities that you enjoy.</p>

<p>Also, you don’t have to get involved during the first semester. You can always use the first semester to establish yourself, figure out how things work at Cornell, and join organizations during the second semester or during your sophomore year. But definitely go to the gyms here, since it will be a great stress reliever! Things will fall in place once you get here!</p>

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<p>thank you. and i totally agree, sport is the best stress reliever :)</p>

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<p>Go to Cornell, even if you are an average looking guy, you will probably end up getting with tons and tons of girls (they dig the accent).</p>

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<p>^^well, that’s true, but it’d be the same for anywhere in the US, not really Cornell in particular. 'tis a significant factor in why I spent last semester in London, however.</p>

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<p>sounds good ;)</p>