<p>I’m thinking of majoring in the sciences (applied to Brown as a Chem major) but wondered how the student environment amongst undergrads (particularly science majors) is at Cornell? I really appreciate an easy-going, friendly environment for a college. I’d love to be able to study with a group of people and have a group of friends in my major who I can support & would do the same back. But I can’t stand a place where the kids are demure most of the time. One of my best teachers in H.S. told me that the most important things he learned in college were all OUTSIDE the classroom; I want to know if Brown fits my personality (listed above).</p>
<p>The only little things pulling me back from Brown are the dorms (heard they were small and dirty - my room at home is immaculate so def something I’ll need to adapt to), sub-par-quality food, and the fact that I wasn’t "WOW"ed by Brown the last time I toured it.</p>
<p>In case it’s helpful, I’m currently choosing between Brown and Cornell. Only thing preventing me from committing to Cornell is the HUGE student body & campus and their rigorous curric. I just don’t want to have to study to my death in college. I’ll obviously put in effort though.</p>
<p>hey im torn between same colleges and u should read my thread.
whole bunch of people commented on it.
although it’s mainly about engineering, it will still have some information that will help u distinguish between the two.</p>
<p>You’re probably gonna have to study like hell if you want good grades at either college, and I’m sure you can find suitable environments for someone like you at either one, as well. Go with what wowed you.</p>
<p>Everything that you are seeking I got in my education at Brown. Far and away, most of my education came outside of the classroom.</p>
<p>I liked both my dorms and the food at Brown.</p>
<p>I don’t think one has to ‘study like hell’ to get good grades at Brown. Brown kids work extremely hard and are very deeply involved in their classes, but there just isn’t a culture of ‘studying like hell’ at Brown - we’re too pleasant for that.</p>
<p>dolcevalse, from what you’ve briefly said, it sounds like you’d fit in well at Brown, and I’d suggest that you strongly consider it. PM me if you have any other questions.</p>
<p>I wasn’t bowled over by the campus either when I visited last week. It seemed way quieter than I expected it to be, not really a whole lot going on. Was it just my bad luck that I visited when it was so dead? Is there usually more to it (or maybe more than meets the eye)?</p>
<p>This thread is strange. It seems like the OP is basing an important decision on hearsay and rumors about “dirty” dorms and bad food. </p>
<p>“my room at home is immaculate” - Last time I checked the person who lives in the room cleans it, but I suppose there are some people affluent enough to hire a cleaner to pick up their messes, although that’d be a funny situation in a double (“just clean this half okay?!”) :)</p>
<p>This tone almost sounds snoody and as though you’re not ready to accept the realities of college life. </p>
<p>As far as those not impressed by the campus we have no idea when you came or what you saw, but if you didn’t like it and don’t want to be living your life on it for four years go to Cornell and be happy. The last person I wanted to run into at Brown was some unhappy grumbler who chose Brown despite not liking it. Most people love Brown’s campus so you’d be in the minority if it’s not up your standard.</p>
<p>I had a similar impression on my tour when I visited at first, but it turns out I was just there too early. If you were to go on a sunny, warm afternoon, you’ll see a ton of people out and things going on. I think it’s the most impressive part of the Brown experience. Just don’t go too early and don’t go when it’s cold.</p>