I realize this has been asked before, but I want to study different aspects than the person who previously asked this.
I want to study medicine. I want a school that is fun, but can be quiet too.
I have been “offered” by both schools for track and field, so I will be competing as well. Which school would you prefer? Also, which school would be easier to balance academics and athletics?
Hi there! Dartmouth and Cornell were my two dream schools growing up, and I’m heading to the latter as a GT next fall, so hopefully I can help.
To begin, Hanover and Ithaca are both kind of in the middle of nowhere, and I do think this helps the students bond more because they can’t just leave on the weekends. Hanover is slightly closer to major cities, but Ithaca is more of a city in itself, and I think both of them will fit your fun and quiet bill. Most colleges will, in fact, with the sheer number of students and varied lifestyles.
Cornell’s biology program is stronger if you’re looking to go the premed route, but also keep in mind that there’s more competition, and the curves are harsher (I think introductory science courses are curved to a B-; I’m not sure about Dartmouth’s policy). A couple of my friends were Ivy recruits and they said that there’s no shortage of partying as a student-athlete should you want it, but they <em>are</em> in fluff majors! As long as you stay ahead of the median at both, though, you should be fine.
I think Dartmouth is a better school for track these days, but it’s not like Cornell is a bad place to run or anything. IIRC Dart’s head coach is leaving this year though, so keep that in mind.
Best of luck making your decision! (and you know which school I’d choose, haha)
I may be biased because I’m attending Cornell this fall, but I hear the pros and cons for both. I’ve heard the common stories of how Dartmouth is an “antisocial” community with a bunch of “jerks”, and I’ve heard how Cornell has a bunch of “introverted, cutthroat students” who do nothing but study. Realistically, you’ll find these types of people on any campus. And on any campus you’ll also find nice friends, great teachers, and great company. I think you should research both schools yourself (maybe visit the campuses) and see what you like more.
Personally, what attracted me to Cornell was the nice, quaint campus environment combined with interesting courses and cool clubs.
Dartmouth is a preppy version of Cornell 