<p>I originally decided to apply to Cornell when I was much younger, it was just what was expected of me, after all, I'm a dedicated student who's parents both work at Cornell and I'm a legacy. But now I'm rethinking applying. I just don't know if I want to stay in Ithaca for another four years. I've been here my whole life, and I think I feel ready to get out. 7% of my graduating class has already been accepted to Cornell, and I just don't know if that's what I want.
Cornell is a fantastic school and a beautiful campus, and I feel like I would be wasting the resources right at my finger tips for a great education, but I just don't know if it's the kind of place that is right for me. But it feels like such a waste to give up the aid that Cornell would give me, and the advantages of having an Ivy education.
I feel so torn about this. Cornell is unlike the other schools on my list, which are either small PA liberal arts colleges or larger universities in Boston, and I'm not entirely sure I would be happy at Cornell, but at the same time, it feels like I would be wasting all my resources to not apply to Cornell.
I'm not looking for people suggesting my chances of getting in, just someone to tell me if I should go with my gut or think it out some more?
Help please! I feel so overwhelmed, I can't think straight!</p>
<p>I would advise you to think more. I picked Cornell for a large part because I loved the campus and it was very different atmosphere from what I was used to. Cornell is a great school, but there many other great schools, some which might be better suited for your interests. I also suggest you express your feelings to your parents,they should be supportive of any decision you make. Don’t to be worried about what if’s, rather clarify your own interests and preferences.</p>
<p>Go ahead and apply - there’s nothing that will bind you to only attending Cornell (your parents might try and pressure you but it’s ultimately your decision). Apply to the other colleges you have in mind and by the time decisions roll around you can make a better decision.</p>
<p>I know a guy in one of my classes who’s parents teach at Cornell and has lived in Ithaca all his life but he enjoys it. He’s smart as hell, lives in Donlon and behaves as if he never lived in Ithaca. Think about it!</p>
<p>Definitely apply to Cornell, among other places. Once you get all your decisions back, then see if leaving Ithaca is even an option.</p>
<p>Include Cornell in schools you apply to…as with most students, comparing the FA packages among schools you are accepted at may be a variable in your decision.</p>
<p>If both of your parents are employed by the school I would imagine that there’s some sort of tuition break involved. If so, are your parents willing and able to pass that up and possibly pay full freight somewhere else?</p>
<p>I think you have to apply & I believe it would be recklessly irresponsible not to.
Reasons:
1, applying is not the same as being admitted which is not the same as attending
2, You could study just about anything at Cornell
3, It is one of the best Universities on the planet
4, You can always apply to other schools as well
5, once your acceptance letters come in you can then compare financial aid packages like everyone else…and if you get something better (or even close) then you can talk with Mom & Dad about possibilities.</p>
<p>My guess is that you feel entitled & privileged and you believe acceptance is automatic.
When you live in a palace surrounded by gold …you suddenly prefer silver.</p>
<p>I would say it depends on your situation.</p>
<p>1) What are your academic goals ? While Cornell has almost everything, as per the
slogan, if there is something unique you want to study, that might be a reason to look
elsewhere. </p>
<p>2) What is your family financial situation ? You know how many in this country
go to local community colleges to save money and start off their academic career ?
Do you know how lucky you are if your “local” low cost college is Cornell ?</p>
<p>IMO, you can have lots of fun if you move into the dorms.
Wont be any better in any other rural/suburban school in that respect.
Boston, NYC or Chicago is another story, not a comparable experience.
To me Boston is THE college town. But if finances are any issue to your family,
and you get a significant employee tuition discount, I would absolutely take advantage
of this wonderful gift. With all the money you save, you can see the world.
Go to a semester abroad, or in a major US city, or take a semester internship for
credit in a major city. You will get the best of both worlds, great but low cost education,
but experiences in other places too !</p>
<p>Apply anyway. Like some posters have said, applying won’t guarantee you admittance. </p>
<p>That being said, if I were in your position I would want to get out of Ithaca, just to be out of town. I think being away from home/parents is a positive aspect for your college years because it’s removing one comforting net. Ithaca doesn’t have much of variety in industry in the area so unless you plan on staying in Ithaca your whole career, now is the time to try living on your own in a different city. College is a great time to figure out your own living habits where you have time for mistakes/small grievances. I say all this assuming the “resources” refer to your potential accommodations. I’m pretty sure parental support (emotional anyway - skype etc.) will be there even if you’re not in Ithaca. </p>
<p>I agree with the finance comments above as well for the practicality. Really up to you to figure it out. Also, it’s actually another reason for you to apply to Cornell anyway. I’ve never encountered this but if there is some significant financial aid advantage due to your family’s employment, perhaps you can use that as leverage to get better aid at other schools. But of course, you have to apply first.</p>
<p>I met one of my professor’s kids and he applied to Cornell along with other schools. He ended choosing elsewhere mostly because it’s not Ithaca. Finance wasn’t an issue for him.</p>