I got accepted to UPenn and Cornell but I’m not sure where to go, and I’m just looking for more information to make a well informed and educated decision. I want to know more about the to know more about the teaching style of both schools, the type of assignments that they give, the atmosphere of the campus, the grading style of the professors, how accessible professors. I don’t really mind the weather or the city vs. rural. Any info will help! Also Im trying to become a biomedical engineer or something of that sort and work with stem cells and such.Also if you have any other pros and cons please let me know and why do people say that Cornell is the hardest to graduate from and do any of these schools suffer from grade inflation( it’s something people keep mentioning).
DD is a Penn engineering student, and SO was a biology major at Cornell. Both schools are outstanding. It really depends on your preference.
If possible, attend the admitted student days for both schools. That would let you get more information, and decide where you feel more at home.
Teaching style, type of assignments, grading style . . . impossible to generalize about an entire university. It’s not like a high school, where teachers are required to give certain types of assignments and grade a certain way.
They are both excellent schools. I think Penn has a bit more of a “preprofessional” atmosphere, given that they have Wharton and a nursing school. My sense – just a sense – is that Cornell has a wider variety of students. Also, Penn is huge on legacy admissions, so you’ll meet a lot of second and third-generation students. Another hunch is that Penn’s student body is on average wealthier.
In the final analysis, it really does not matter. Go to the accepted student days and just make a choice based on your gut.
“Cornell is the hardest to graduate from…”
Not that hard, evidently.
http://irp.dpb.cornell.edu/tableau_visual/factbook-graduation-degrees
“why do people say…” reputation developed long ago, when it was perhaps more true.
Perpetuated by succeeding generations because it makes them look tough for handling it. IMO.
“…do any of these schools suffer from grade inflation”
http://www.outsidethebeltway.com/grade_inflation_at_cornell/
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/cornell-university/487570-grade-inflation-or-deflation-p1.html
https://web.archive.org/web/20100214201042/http://registrar.sas.cornell.edu/Grades/MedianGradeSP08.pdf
" Im trying to become a biomedical engineer or something of that sort and work with stem cells and such…"
I imagine what is important is preparation for graduate school, and both of those
places can do that for you. But for specifics, inquire at each school.
".other pros and cons "
Different settings, obviously; Cornell is more diverse IMO
I believe you will have a clear preference for where you want to be/ feel most at home/ after you visit both schools.