Cornell vs UMich (still these two)

<p>It is down to these two. I am OOS for UMich and was given a 20k Engineering Scholarship plus a small grant, work study and loan. I know the engineering program for both is comparable. UMich’s ECE program is bigger in faculty/student size and maybe even their facilities but I am not sure if this is good for me. So I was leaning toward Cornell even though it would cost about $7000/yr more out of pocket. I like Cornell Engineering Quad that is in central campus (vs. UMich isolated North Engineering campus) and generally its prettier campus. Either Ann Arbor (3 hours drive) or Ithaca is ok for me. Ithaca is 3 more hours of driving from home but I can take it. Cornell also gave me the Meinig Scholarship which provides leadership development opportunity I am interested in. So, I was almost going to send in the deposit to Cornell. Then, UMich threw in a $5000/yr (outside?) scholarship that is administered by the Engineering (ECE) yesterday. The difference in cost is now $12000/yr. I still like Cornell. But I don’t hate UMich either especially taking into account the $5000/yr scholarship also includes internship opportunity at a major router company for the summers after freshman year. </p>

<p>So, please help me with your comments/opinion: Am I giving up too much of UMich’s offer for Cornell? Thanks in advance… only a few days left…</p>

<p>It depends on how important the money is to you. If your family really can't afford it, go to UMich. If you can, by any means, go to Cornell if that's where you want to be. How much money you put in is probably how much you'll get out of your education, relatively speaking.</p>

<p>My Mom is wavering on the cost after the tempting $5000 scholarship. It is understandable since the scholarship also provides internship each summer after freshman (and even possible employment after graduation) at the router company. I am wondering if it is reasonable to find as good summer jobs if I go to Cornell.</p>

<p>Yes, money is always tempting. But some things are more important. UMich is a great school, but I don't think it compares to Cornell in terms of alumni connections and international prestige. And yes, it is definitely reasonable to find good summer jobs, and good jobs after that. If you are doing engineering, Cornell has a co-op program that basically hands you the top internships for a semester (fall, junior year, I believe). One of my friends, who is a senior comp sci major, got a co-op with Microsoft her junior year, and has just been hired by Microsoft full time.</p>

<p>So unless money is a major issue, and not just "I'd rather pay less...
", then do what you must. But if not, do what will open the most doors for you.</p>

<p>Hold on a second,the Engineering quad at Cornell isn't at the centre oof campus...i was under the impression Collegetown was. EQ is stilll way over to the SE as per the map i'm seeing. </p>

<p>As far your q is concerned, Cornell's engineering programme is definitely better. You have better exposure at Cornell to technical and non-technical fields. U'll suddenly realize you have a lot of research and other academic oppertunities. uncomparable to those offered by other universities. If your family can afford it, I would urge you to go Cornell.</p>

<p>I had a D who graduated from U Mich in EE and a S who will be starting Cornell eng (prob EE) in the fall. D and her colleagues from U of M had a vast range of opportunties, both summer internships and post graduation, from companies around the country (if not the globe). You will in no way suffer for opportunities with a Mich eng degree.
North campus is tied to central by frequent and regular buses and in fact is just a vigorous bike ride from central. The Mich campus is spread out anyway; the football stadium is a good hike from central.
My S has his own individual reasons for attending Cornell. Based on our investigations and personal knowledge (to date) there is little to distinguish the two, in particular with regard to undergrad research and employment opportunities.
Mich is a bigger school so you would probably need to be a little more of a self starter - nothing is handed on a platter to you, but the feast is there if you pursue it.
If money is tight and a deal breaker to you, I don't see how you could turn down Mich's $$. On the other hand if the money is nice, but not critical, then you have to look at other factors, e.g., the pros and cons of the locations, specific eng program you are interested in, etc.
BTW, both have good hockey teams.
Good luck. Don't worry, you can't screw this up, both are great choices (IMO).</p>

<p>Attended both these schools, but not in engineering. Don't just assume that Cornell has greater status. It varies by field. Check into what you're interested in. FWIW, internships ARE valuable experience and help distinguish you when you apply for jobs/grad school. You may get similar opportunities at Cornell, if you decide to go there. Can't offer much more to help you distinguish. Ann Arbor and Ithaca are both great college towns, although I found Ann Arbor a bit livelier, due to its size. Winter weather is similar - a bit colder in Michigan, a bit more snow in Ithaca, but pretty much a wash. I second the evaluation of the hockey programs. :-) These are two outstanding universities, and you're fortunate to have this choice to make. Good luck, and Go Blue/Red.</p>

<p>Thanks for your responses! But I am still not set on the decision. </p>

<p>Well, how do Cornell engineering major students get summer jobs? Is the job related to your field?</p>

<p>Cornell engineering students have some sweet hook-ups when it comes to the job market. My mom comes down to campus twice a year to hire both summer interns and full-time engineers. The interns are paid like $20/hr plus a $2,500 sign on bonus from Cornell (note: the other engineering schools dont get the same sign on bonus). There are some incredible opportunities available in the #1 engineering program in the ivy league. </p>

<p>You can get a summer job by going to the career services offices. They are very active in alumni networking and can find you a job in almost any field or occupation you want. They will also fix up your resume, help you write cover letters, teach you how to do great interviews, everything. If you work hard and do well, finding a job should be the last thing on your mind at Cornell. </p>

<p>The extra money for Cornell is an investment, but I think it's worth it. You're not far from NYC either, many companies actively come up to campus to recruit. Dont let money take away this opportunity. Send in that deposit to Cornell and prepare for an incredible 4 years.</p>

<p>gomestar, your are very helpful. This may actually get me over the decision.</p>

<p>I got into UMich too, and they would have paid for everything. Yes, everything. And yet, I am at Cornell paying $40,000/year when it's all said and done. Well worth it.</p>

<p>how did u get a full ride at mich, i had very good stats, and they offered me a measly 5,000 a year for merit scholarship in the honors program</p>