<p>After getting into Vanderbilt and Cornell and deciding on Cornell, I just recently found out that I was accepted off the wait list at Washu. I'm planning on majoring in biology and doing pre-med. I've visited both and I like both equally - my parents are really into the "Ivy name" and consequently, want me to go to Cornell. What do you guys think?</p>
<p>both schools are pretty much equal when it comes to science and pre-med.</p>
<p>it all comes down to if you like upstate new york where it’s pretty rural or if you prefer a city (not necessarily a very nice one).</p>
<p>We have one son at Cornell and one at Wash U. Both are having excellent experiences. I would say Wash U is a bit more personalized which fits our son who is there as he seems to thrive on the steady diet of advice, encouragement and opportunities that come his way. Our son at Cornell is a bit more independent and he has thrived there by setting his own course. So, as in all these cases, it is about how you ‘fit’ into the environment of the particular school. They’re both great places and will be for you what you make of them. An aside about the Ivy question - if you look at Wash U test scores, rank in class, they are actually higher than Cornell’s probably because Cornell has so many different schools - hotel, agriculture, etc., and maybe because they need to recruit DI athletes. (Wash U is DIII, another angle to consider if you play sports.) I think if you compile a good academic record at either you will be headed for good things.</p>
<p>We know a kid at Cornell right now. The winters there are brutal and it’s a big pain to get good prices on flight to Syracuse or Ithaca. The shuttle from Ithaca is also expensive. Cornell is a great school but it has a very different feel from WashU in many ways. You should go where it’s a fit for you. Good luck.</p>