Cornell vs. Penn ED

Colleges and Universities A-Z Cornell University
1

<p>Rising senior here and debating between these to schools. I've finished my supplements for both, and I'm having a hard time choosing. Aside from the academic reputation, I want to know more about the social atmosphere. I am leaning towards Penn, I like Philly and the ability to double major between colleges and a few other things. However, I feel that Penn will be a bigger reach compared to Cornell (not many kids have applied to Penn from my school). Cornell has the better engineering department, but I like Penn better overall. My stats:</p>

<p>Male, from competitive public HS in MA (class of ~400, about 15-25 to ivies each year)</p>

<p>GPA: ~3.84 UW, 4.6 W (6 APs by graduation plus 2 college classes) - this would be a 3.9+ had it not been for freshman year (upward trend)
Rank: My HS does UW ranks, so I get penalized a bit. I'm around the top 10%- give or take 3-5 spots, so definitely top 12%
SAT: 2010 (retaking later in nov/dec, but will use ACT)
ACT: 33 (36 M, 35 Science, 31 Writing, 31 Reading)
Subject Tests: 790 and 770 on Math lvl 2 and Physics subject tests.
Intended Major: MechE, EE or MSE</p>

<p>Extracurriculars: I'm not going to go in much depth but I have a fair amount of ECs related to engineering and science. I have leadership positions in clubs, have gone to state/nationals in competitions and have worked in labs (I intend on sending an additional rec from mentor and/or research abstract)</p>

<p>I'd eventually like to work in tech/silicon valley, and perhaps even do something entrepreneurial.</p>

2

<p>If you like Penn more that is where you need to apply ED.</p>

3

<p>Stats are a bit low for Penn but you never know. if you’re applying to cas then give it a try with ed. if you want Wharton then I’d say you’re better off try Cornell.</p>

4

<p>Is this what you’re saying –</p>

<ol>
<li>Cornell has the better ranked engineering program.</li>
<li>Your chances of getting into Cornell are > than your chances of getting into Penn.</li>
<li>Penn Engineering offers more opportunity to double major than Cornell</li>
<li>You think you’d prefer to be in Philadelphia than Ithaca, all things being equal?</li>
</ol>

<p>If so – #1 is correct. I have no idea about #'s 2 and 3, but for the sake of argument, let’s assume they are correct. #4 is purely personal preference.</p>

<p>In any event, if I’ve read your post right, there’s no clear answer. Each school has advantages and disadvantages, and you have to decide what’s most important to you.</p>