<p>I'm torn between applying to ILR or AAP (for a major in urban/regional planning).</p>
<p>Is one school/major less difficult than the other to get into? </p>
<p>^^the answer to that won't decide for me, I'm just curious.</p>
<p>Should I utilize the alternate choice school option? Is it worth it? </p>
<p>Any input is greatly appreciated, seeing as there's only like 3 days left till apps are due.</p>
<p>Those are two very, very different schools, so the real answer should be whichever aligns more with your career goals or academic interests.</p>
<p>For example, I am interested in Business, Political Science and Law, so I’ve applied to ILR.</p>
<p>Actually, URS and ILR aren’t as different as you might think.</p>
<p>It’s true that ILR and URS aren’t very different programs. Both (basically) boil down to interdisciplinary social sciences programs that teach students a useful framework for studying many issues. It’s also true that URS attracts students with varied career goals: just as ILR doesn’t only attract labor relations specialists, not all URS majors will go on to careers in city planning. The programs have the same small-school feel and opportunities to form close mentoring relationships with faculty. At least among the URS students I know, we tend to see social issues in similar terms and consider the same kind of consequences for policy choices. I really do consider URS to be our half-brother. </p>
<p>There are some differences worth noting. ILR is considerably bigger, which can mean some giant intro classes but also a larger alumni network. URS also has a great study abroad program at the Cornell in Rome center. I believe all Cornellians can participate, but it’s more the common for URS students, and the faculty at the program tend to be from the College of Art, Architecture and Planning. (ILR’s closest approximation is at the University College Dublin, but the program there does not have Cornell faculty.) </p>
<p>Your choice may ultimately hinge on which program’s curriculum excites you more. Chances are, you could end up in the same eventual career path/grad school and have the same kind of undergrad experience in either college. It’s a matter of deciding which curriculum is most interesting and challenging to you. Granted, I know the ILR curriculum much better, but it’s my understanding that the ILR curriculum is a little heavier on history and the “people” side of the workplace than URS. But it’s worth studying course offerings and faculty interests in both colleges to help you decide. </p>
<p>Keep in mind that you can minor in City & Regional Planning as an ILRie but not vice versa, and, as I am sure you have found in your research, you cannot do a double major in either college without spending additional years at Cornell.</p>
<p>Thanks for all of your input. I’ve decided to go with URS. I was originally worried b/c AAP has the lowest acceptance rate of any Cornell college, so I was hesitant about applying. However, I feel like that’s probably skewed by the architecture and art majors, and I might as well go for it.</p>