I was admitted to both Cornell CALS and Northeastern for Environmental Science. I had to wait on financial aid from Cornell for a while, but now that I finally have it, my decision deadline is in just a few days. Both schools would cost about the same – Cornell is cheaper by a few thousand. At a glance, Northeastern’s program looks more rigorous, but Cornell has a better location for field research. If anyone could give me some idea of what Cornell culture and CALS classes are like in comparison to Northeastern that would be helpful.
Hi. I don’t know much about these programs for school so take this with a grain of salt. I am guessing this is for transfer as well b/c your decision deadline is now lol, but Cornell CALS will have a very rigorous program if that is what you are looking for. People I know who go there have classes that can be as difficult as any of the other ivy’s. It also will open up a ton more doors. Since its even cheaper than northeastern (wow), I would go for it. Northeastern is a great program but not on par with Cornell CALS. Also, I took a summer program at Cornell. Its campus is beautiful and everything is confined to essentially that campus, so I am guessing you won’t be distracted with too many parties. However, people have said it can get a little lonely up there for some.
There’s arguably nowhere better in the US than Cornell for environmental science, and it has some pretty impressive resources (e.g. the ornithology lab). I’d choose Cornell in a heartbeat, especially if it’s cheaper.
Another vote for Cornell. You will definitely find it very rigorous! Cornell has the rep of “easiest” of the Ivies for acceptance, but the hardest to stay in. There is no grade inflation and you will work hard, along side a very driven peer group, with amazing professors. I agree that for environmental science, you will be making an amazing choice if you choose Cornell. Congrats!