ILR vs. CAS

Colleges and Universities A-Z Cornell University
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<p>Hello all-</p>

<p>I know this is very last minute, but I don't know whether I should apply to Cornell's College of Arts and Sciences or School of Industrial and Labor Relations. I've been applying to the CAS at other schools, so several weeks ago I completed the application and supplement for Cornell's CAS as well (I have not yet submitted). I never really thought about applying to the ILR until perusing the website for what I thought would be a final time today and realizing that the ILR might just be a better fit. Here's some more info regarding my academic interests:</p>

<p>I intend to pursue a career in law, so I've been planning on studying American History, political science, government, and the like. However, I am also fascinated by classical cultures and I would like to take at least a few Classics courses in college. I know that ILR students can take classes at CAS; can CAS take classes in ILR? Is it possible to transfer from one school to another?</p>

<p>Does anyone have any insight about the specifics of the ILR program and whether or not I would be a good fit? Is one school more competitive (I have okay test scores--2200 SAT with low math score and 780 USH sat/740 lit sat-- but high gpa and great ecs)? The website highly encouraged ILR applicants to apply ED; do I have a shot if I apply RD? Or am I better off just sticking with the completed CAS app I have?</p>

<p>Any help is much appreciated. Thanks!!! </p>

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At this point, I’d say go for CAS. ILR is very much about fit and interest. I think it would hurt that you did not attend an ILR info session, have lunch with an ILR student, contact any ILR professors, or do anything else that would demonstrate interest. Also, you’d need to very quickly come up with the supplemental ILR essay without the benefit of having done very much research into the program. But here’s a tip: Look up the American Studies major in CAS. It’s an interdisciplinary major separate from American History.

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D1 was accepted to ILR early but did not apply ED. Rolling admission. She definitely demonstrated fit.

You sound like it is the major you want. If you can demonstrate it, you have a good shot. It is probably easier to get in than CAS as far as stats go, but more difficult because of their requiring more of a fit. So make sure you make that clear…

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Thank you both for the help! I’ve decided to go with the CAS for my primary choice, but I did a lot of research today and I applied to the ILR as an alternate choice. Both seem like great options so now I will just hope for the best. happy new year! :slight_smile: @brantly @morrismm

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Good luck to you!

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@brantly‌ not going to an info session or anything like that won’t matter. I went to an ilr info seasion; it’s not like they took attendance or anything lol. Other than that, you made good points