Does Cornell live up to its hype in the college books?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Cornell University
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<p>Hey all. I started this thread on a couple of other boards. Cornell was my first choice, but based on things I've heard recently, it's been bumped to (gasp!) second place. So in hopes of restoring it to its former glory, I'd love for some people to confirm whether or not it's as scary as all the college books say.</p>

<p>Mostly I get the vibe that it's work hard/play hard. But all these tables they're showing of how Cornell is so much "academic stress". I know it's not a suicide school, but these books say that the workload is very difficult. Not that I don't want to be intellectually stimulated! In fact, i CRAVE that. I'm just wondering whether or not I'll bow to the pressure and flunk out after a semester.</p>

<p>Also, what are your most and least favorite things about Cornell?</p>

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<p>Just wait for perro to respond...he'll be a trove of info to help you put cornell back in the #1 SPOT! (I'm '09 so I don't know yet, though I've heard the same things you have, plus people say they won't accept you unless you can do the work.)</p>

<p>Our of curiosity, whats your new top choice?</p>

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<p>I've never understood kids running away from schools simply because they heard the school was "hard" wah wah If you're going to pay $40,000 a year to go to college, why not go to one that will challenge you to do your best? Sure, you won't have as much free time at Cornell but I'm guessing if you're concerned about free time, you wouldn't be going to college in the first place. Fact is, education comes first at college. Some colleges are content with their students sleepwalking through 4 years. Cornell is not. Cornell effectively takes a cattle prod and sticks it up your @$$. That's the constant motivation (or "pressure" as you call it) that Cornellians feel. It's that motivation that's going to make you great. Students (including me) are going to b*tch about the workload and the harsh curves but, ultimately, we recognize that it's a necessary evil.</p>

<p>I would also like to point out that while Cornell is hard, it is not unfair. You will be rewarded for hard work. There's no reason you can't manage at least a B in the hardest classes as long as you put some effort into it.</p>

<p>As for the "play hard" part of it, there is a ton to do on campus. There are bowling alleys, basketball courts, movie theaters, seminars, guest speakers, and of course frat parties and booze galore. It is possible to party 2-3 nights out of the week and still be successful.</p>

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<p>Well, I dunno if I'll live up to what Sparticus800 said, not so much because I lack the persuasive ability and love of the school, but moreso because it's 11:00 at night and I have some work to do.</p>

<p>First, you shouldnt worry about flunking out after a semester. If you are good enough to get into cornell, you are good enough to stay here if you continue to work. Yes, some classes are hard, but it varies widely depending on the field. Some people have it easier, much easier, that others. However, it is all manageable. I was able to go out and drink 3 nights a week first semester and still pull a 3.86 in engineering. Granted, I know classes will get harder, but it can be done. And the work, while it might be tough at times, is not meaningless. If you are studying the subject which is right for you, it will be stimulating and thought provoking, driving you onward to further your understanding of this chosen field. Yes, Cornell is not a walk in the park, but, unlike some ivies and other elite schools, Cornell pushes you to be your best. Believe me, it will count in the end. Cornell graduates, especially in some fields (engineering, hotel, AEM, ILR, etc) are among the most sought after in the country, even above many of the other ivies. Cornell students consistently gain acceptence into the most elite medical, law, and business schools. And employers constantly turn to Cornell because they are looking for motivated, well-trained individuals to lead their companies into the future. </p>

<p>While the work may be difficult at times, the quality of life is high, and there is a great feeling on campus that is difficult to describe in words. There is a cameraderie amongst cornell students that goes unmatched in any other school that I have seen. The campus, its traditions, and the general feeling that we are part of something unique really brings the students together in my mind. Life at Cornell is never dull and never boring. There is an amazing diversity of people, and a pleathora of activities in which you can partake. No matter what your lifestyle, you will be at home at Cornell. This school's size results in a wealth of diversity which is not rivalled by any university of this level. </p>

<p>Yes Cornell students do work hard, but we play even harder. Dont think that just because you are going to a reputable school you will be a slave to your classes. Cornell students, even in the most labor-intensive of majors, still find time to do whatever they want. On weekends, Cornell comes alive with an intensity not usually seen outside of state schools. If you think that you will be sacrificing your social life when you come here, believe me, you are in for a big surprise. From hockey games to concerts to the massive parties which draw students by the hundreds, we all find a way to blow off steam and have a great time.</p>

<p>I could go on and on about the most minute details of why I love this place so much, but I think I'll leave it at this: trust me, you'll love it. So, in summary, I urge you to reconsider and assure you that the decision to attend Cornell will be one of the best you will ever make. If you have faith in yourself and come prepared to devote yourself both to the pursuit of academic enlightenment and to your growth as an individual, you will benefit to an extent which you cannot currently even imagine.</p>

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<p>you make me even more obsessed</p>

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<p>dude, how can you argue with that, he even said plethora! He sold me, and I was already sold...</p>

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<p>I agree with what perro said. The academic environment is stressful but Cornell students are smart enough to handle it well. Those who are unable to keep up with the work or can't understand it tend to leave quickly. I was a C student (based on the curve) in engineering that wasn't good enough to cut it after two years. And while my GPA is shot straight up since I transfered (engineering at Cornell was enigmatic to me but I have had an enlightenment since I left, and now I see how easy all of those difficult assignments were) I really miss Cornell. The environment is energized with the ambition of the students and I loved the fact that "work" was always going on. And even though the workload was heavy, I didn't mind. The atmosphere is conducive to being able to work for long hours. And as long as you work hard during the weekdays you will have time to relax on the weekends. If I could go back to Cornell I would try to be more social, and less of an introvert.</p>

<p>What did irritate me were the evening exams (730pm-900pm). I hated those. I like to take my exams during the daytime but I guess that isn't possible at Cornell. Some of my profs were strongly against evening exams but they had no choice but to do it.</p>

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<p>I couldn't agree with this more. Or said another way in high school which were favorite courses ... courses with the best students that were challenging? or courses that were easy and perhaps without very good students? If you likes a challenge in high school than go for a challenge in college also!</p>

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<p>bluirinka- i see you've been hanging around the dartmouth board and i'm guessing its your number 1 choice, over cornell. i loved both schools but i ended up choosing cornell over dartmouth. cornell's student body is much more friendly and welcoming. the school spirit at cornell is unmatched in the ivy league. Cornell also provides its students with so many more oppurtunties in so many areas (academically, atheletically, socially).</p>

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<p>Wow Perro! I agree with Spanks and Sparticus.. I think you just re-sold me on my first choice college! Haha :)</p>

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<p>hey...i just transferred to Cornell this semester. from what ive noticed these past couple of weeks, YES, there is a crapload of work. but NO, it is not unmanageable. this, of course, varies from school to school. engineers and architects might never see daylight, whereas some other majors dont have such an intensive workload.</p>

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<p>Perro, your comments just reiterated why you are a god on the Cornell boards and reaffirmed the reasons that I chose Cornell over all the other schools; for that, I thank you.</p>

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<p>Aye, no problem.</p>

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<p>and the fact that dartmouth is the size of cornell's north campus :-D I love the fact that we have 4,000+ courses, and more added every year (my main reason for not graduating early now). cornell is great, it has given me so many opportunities, and really is laid back. I get to do everything I want (within the law that is). I love my classes (yes, even orgo and bio) and I absolutely love my social and extracurriculars. we really are a great giving community. I'm planning a tsunami benefit dinner, and I cannot believe how generous everyone in this community is. Even after donating $70K earlier, the local restaurants are still giving my dinner gift certificates and other donations, and cornell students and faculty are really wonderful. last week, we had ems collect money, and we raised thousands. in this community, the professors live near (and some of them even in the dorms) and you see them at events, supporting the average cornellians and their interests. it's true, sometimes it's hard to go outside when the weather is so cold your bones are shaking, and it's true around prelims and finals everyone can get a little neuronic, but believe me, when you come out the other end, it's worth it. great role models who went here love coming back -- janet reno comes to cornell every year, and bill nye is coming again in april (in fact, he's staying in my dorm from the 2nd to the 13th, right around cornell days ;-)). it's truly a wonderful place, and even after leaving it, many come back. like new mexico's slogan, it's a land of enchantment.</p>

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<p>Bill Nye The Science Guys...Bill-bill-bill-bi-bibi billl...I can still hear the theme song. I'm proud to be headed for a school with such esteemed alumni.</p>

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<p>Whoa....do you know what days hes coming exactly?!?! He was like the first person to expose me to science....his show helped make me who I am (academically) today. I'd like to meet him maybe....</p>

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<p>maybe .</p>

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<p>Hey srp,</p>

<p>I completely disagree. Dartmouth students are the friendliest coolest people I have ever known. And the school spirit is a part of everything we do. Its goes beyond sports and hockey teams; its about the mountain air, the people, the community, the traditions (green key, winter carnival, tubestock, etc), the awesome river, the amazingly caring and undergrad focused professors. Personally I love that Dartmouth is only 4000 people and the size of Cornell's North campus. I literally know over 50% of my class and I meet up with them all the time even after graduating a couple years ago. You are in this most amazing network of people for life. </p>

<p>And Bill Nye... we have Dr. Suess, Captain Kangaroo...Mr. Rogers even attended! Take that!</p>

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<p>Then go fire up a blunt and get the hell off the cornell boards.</p>

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<p>lol perro</p>

<p>I'd have to agree with tower, Bill Nye is definately the first person who made science fun and inteesting to me and I would LOVE to go the school that he went to. lol I want to get into Cornell so bad...</p>