CS: Arts and Sciences vs Engineering

Colleges and Universities A-Z Cornell University
1

<p>Hey guys!</p>

<p>I'm planning to study Computer Science at Cornell. I know the two degrees (B.A. and B.S.) are very similar and I have no problem either completing the core requirements for the B.A. - foreign language - or for the B.S. - chemistry and physics.
I would like, however, to minor in Cognitive Sciences, and I can only do this at the College of Arts and Sciences.</p>

<p>I have great grades in the SAT II in physics, maths and chemistry. In turn, my ECs are a lot more focused in arts - music conservatory, founder of cultural association, editor-in-chief, eyp, toastmasters -, although I am enrolled in some physics and math projects. I've also been to the mathematical and chemistry olympiads national finals. The only problem is my SAT. Currently I have 530 in the CR and Writing and 780 in Math. I plan on elevating the 530s to more than 650 in January. Either way it is my biggest weakness.</p>

<p>To which college should I apply?
I can always use the primary/alternate admission option, but I would have my essays for the two colleges almost identical.</p>

<p>I am applying for fin aid as an international student so my odds are very reduced, therefore I would like to apply for the college that more easily can accept me.</p>

<p>Thank you</p>

2

<p>Cornell int’l admissions is separate from int’l finaid, so getting accepted and getting int’l aid are different things entirely. There are numerous threads on this question, just do some search. Here is one @Peppino answered. <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/cornell-university/1595411-cornell-arts-sciences-v-s-engineering.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/cornell-university/1595411-cornell-arts-sciences-v-s-engineering.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

3

<p>I would look more into the requirements of each school. For CAS it’s not just a foreign language, there are also many humanities and other requirements as well. Engineering also has its own requirements which some find incredible rigorous. For more help I recommend using Iyv-Apps (google it for their website). Really smart undergrads who are happy to help for free. Fell free to PM me as well, i’m a current undergrad in CAS.</p>

4

<p>If you want to major in Cognitive Science, go with Arts. However,</p>

<p>Here is my guide for choosing CS in Arts vs Engineering that I wrote a while back. Enjoy.</p>

<p>You take the same sequence of CS classes for Arts vs Engineering.</p>

<p>However…
For arts, you have to satisfy this checklist to graduate:
<a href=“https://www.cs.cornell.edu/undergrad.../artschecklist[/url]”>https://www.cs.cornell.edu/undergrad.../artschecklist&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>For engineering, you have this checklist:
<a href=“https://www.cs.cornell.edu/undergrad...eringchecklist[/url]”>https://www.cs.cornell.edu/undergrad...eringchecklist&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>The real difference is this:</p>

<p>For Engineering, you HAVE to take the Engineering math sequence consisting of Math 1910 (Calculus for Engineers), Math 1920 (Multivariable Calculus for Engineers), and Math 2940 (Linear Algebra for Engineers). You can also take Math 2930 (Differential Equations for Engineers) if you want to go into Robotics, Graphics, or Scientific Computing. AP Credit can get you out of the Math 1910, but that’s it.</p>

<p>For Arts, you can take the regular math sequence consisting of Math 1110 (Calc I), Math 1120 (Calc II), and Math 2210 (Linear Algebra). You can take the Engineering math sequence instead, but why on earth would you do that? Here, AP Credit can get you out of the first two math classes, leaving to take only Math 2210.</p>

<p>Also, Arts requires you to take a language in a addition to a humanities distribution requirement (called “Liberal Studies”).</p>

<p>In Engineering, you don’t have to take a language, but you still have a Liberal Studies requirements. Engineers have the option of using a language to satisfy this.</p>

<p>In Arts, you have to take two science classes of any kind.
In Engineering, you have to take Chem 2090 (Chem for Engineers), Phys 1112 (Mechanics), Phys 2213 (E&M), and then you have a choice for the 4th science class. I am choosing to take Phys 2214 (Oscillations & Waves).</p>

<p>Engineering requires you to take an Intro to Engineering class and a bunch of Engineering distribution classes.</p>

<p>Take Arts if you want the freedom to take a bunch of humanities classes.
Engineering will drag you through a bunch more science and tougher math courses.</p>

<p>You choose your fate.
Good luck! Please feel free to ask any questions.</p>

5

<p>Thank you very much guys!
I actually have a little preference over the Engineering’s course requirements, but as I would like to minor in cognitive science, in the end I prefer the B.A.
What I would like to hear from you is what is the school I have the most chances of getting in, considering my current 530 in both CR and Writing.
Thanks!</p>

6

<p>Sampaio–the 530 will hurt you in both schools—any school at Cornell. Sorry to be harsh.</p>

7

<p>Cornell doesn’t look at the Writing scores, does it?</p>

8

<p>I heard they don’t factor writing scores into admissions because it’s so new.</p>

9

<p>Cornell only reports CR & M scores in their accepted student stats but oddly, they enter the W score in the applicant portal. My son had applied to another school EA and they did not enter the W score in their portal. Am not sure what to make of this, but do agree that Cornell claims they are not interested in the W score and does not report that info.</p>

<p>The 530 CR will still hurt though.</p>

10

<p>Ok, thanks guys! When I spoke to my EC from MIT he told me not to repeat the SAT but take the TOEFL instead, because I had a good math score. I know it doesn’t occur the same way in other universities, but maybe the engineering colleges would have a slight less interest in the SAT CR note.
Either way I am repeating the test and taking the TOEFL in January. I am also only applying for the College of Arts and Sciences from Cornell.
Thank you!</p>