Cornell: Which School?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Cornell University
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<p>I'm applying to several other Ivy League institutions, along with several institutions with similar pedigrees (Northwestern, WashU, etc.). I've done a little bit of research into Cornell before, but I never really did an in-depth study, as I figured I didn't want to go to school in Ithaca. Material the school has been sending me on ILR, however, always fascinated me, and I figured I'd check the CC board to see whether the school really is of interest to me. </p>

<p>I also had browsed the undergraduate business school's website, along with that of A&S. I can't seem, however, to find out which school is a better fit for me. I'm interested in political science and economics, and I love to write. Throughout high school, I've blogged on Web 2.0 and technology, so that's a paramount interest as well. I'm most interested in the effect the internet has on media, politics, and economics. After college, I've always thought I would either become a businessman, a lawyer, or go create a startup company in Silicon Valley. I know my interests are diverse, and that's why I'm finding it hard to pigeonhole myself into a single school, especially when Cornell has so many options. </p>

<p>In high school, I've been an avid participant in numerous clubs pertaining to politics, along with participation in my school's Mock Trial Club. I've also been the president of my class, and I'm currently the chair of Community Service for the school. I have also been on the board of various other community service organizations at my school, including Peer Mentors and an ADL program called Names Day. </p>

<p>All of my rambling essentially boils down to one question: What Cornell school, if any, is right for me?</p>

<p>Additionally, how easy is it to switch schools once one is enrolled at Cornell? Can you take classes in other schools?</p>

<p>For current Cornell students, what do you find to be Cornell's greatest strengths and weaknesses? Is Ithaca a city with plenty of resources for undergraduates? How are the winters?</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

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<p>You can actually apply to both ILR and CAS under the new primary/alternate admissions option. You have to pick one school as your primary school and the other is the alternate. If you are not accepted at the primary school, the admissions folks can choose to send your application on to your alternate. This works well for students whose interests may fall into two different colleges at Cornell.</p>

<p>My guess about the differences between the two--CAS is larger (4300 undergrads vs 823) and probably offers more variety in coursework. Distribution requirements may differ as well. You can take classes in other colleges at Cornell--I don't know if there are limits to how many you can take.</p>

<p>Winters are cold!</p>

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<p>As a current freshman in ILR, I must admit that ILR is a VERY specialized major. You take labor-related courses, and that may or may not be your cup of tea. (You do learn about unions and Human Resources.)</p>

<p>Take a look at the required courses for ILR and see if any of them sound interesting to you.</p>

<p>About 1/3 of ILR grads go to law school, and a majority of my classmates have stated an interest in pursuing law. </p>

<p>You can't minor in the ILR school but you can concentrate. Check the ilr website for concentrations and see if any of the concentrations interest you.</p>

<p>If you're interested in business and economics more than law and labor, AEM would be the best choice. If you're interested in hospitality as well as business, the Hotel school is also a good choice.</p>

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<p>Politics and econ would be CAS for politics or AEM (Applied Economics and Management - accredited business major...1 of 2 in the entire ivy league with the other being at Wharton) for econ. ILR is rather specific...u can take lots of classes on econ but if ur more into econ specifically I'd look into AEM. I'm also very into politics and am going to take classes in CAS for that (i'm pretty sure it's cas...lol).</p>

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<p>Thanks to all of you for your input. The ILR website encourages students to look beyond the name, and they claim that the whole experience isn't really about labor education. While I'm interested in law after college, I think political science and economics pique my interest the most at the moment. I'm glad to see that Cornell's AEM program & the CAS both accomodate that sort of thing. Unfortunately, at this point, I think it's too late for me to consider applying to Cornell. I've already written the majority of my essays, and I'll be away for the next week, leaving me with little to no time to pen the Cornell essays. I'm also not sure I can stand the frigid winters in Ithaca.</p>

<p>Thanks again to all for your replies!</p>

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<p>if you can't stand the winters in Ithaca, get out of the Northeast in general.</p>