MSU with an awesome offer... or Cornell?

College Search & Selection
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<p>note: this was posted on the Cornell message board, and is being reproduced here for a wider audience.</p>

<p>So I am in a dilemma. Although I have not received a letter from Cornell yet, I feel I have a pretty good chance of getting in. For the past few years, Cornell has been my dream school.</p>

<p>Then I got my admission from Michigan State. Before you laugh, I'm not directly comparing the two schools. MSU offered me a professorial assitantship, allowing me to get one-on-one research with a faculty member from my first day as a freshman, possibly through the College of Veterinary Medicine (I'm pretty sure I want to be a vet). It's also a paid position of almost $2,500 a year. Because I got this offer, tuition has been equalized to in-state (I'm from Ohio). I'm admitted to the Honors College, and would live in an honors dorm. I also got a scholarship to use for study abroad, something I want to do at least once (maybe a semester and then one or two summer programs), and MSU has one of the top 3 study abroad programs in the country. I would probably get a higher GPA at MSU, which would probably make it easier to get into vet school (along with the hundreds of hours in a veterinary setting I would accumulate working on a research project with a veterinarian - required for admission). I would already stand out as a top student (which has its pros and cons).</p>

<p>So, my dilemma stands. Cornell has better academics, obviously a better name and higher prestige. It is a place where everyone is smart and intellectual, and most are motivated - the perfect atmosphere. However, I would be an average student, probably get a lower GPA, and not get paid a $2,500 salary annually for doing research with a veterinarian. Like I said, I have always dreamed of Cornell - but now MSU's offer has me confused and unsure where to turn.</p>

<p>So, any suggestions? Your input is greatly appreciated.</p>

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<p>i personally wud go with MSU.. how can u turn down an awesome offer like that lol plus u cud always go to cornell for grad school</p>

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<p>Look at the programs and ask yourself which one you would have picked without the money (but including the job...just imagine you werent paid for it) Which school would you pick? I picked a lower school because I got a full ride, study abroad scholarship, and $4000 a year spending money (and i dont have to work for it or anything), and now I'm regretting my decision. Of course i love not having to worry about money but I really dont have the opportunities my friends are getting at their better schools and I'm not happy. I'm surrounded by many 'unmotivated' students and while there are some good students its not the same as being in a place where you are challenged by your peers and you can learn from them. They'll be your colleagues later so its worth it to attend school with the type of people you want to work with. I dunno, its a tough decision and you'll make the most out of where you go and if MSU feels right, not just because of the money but because of the jop and mentorship, go for it but if its only money than think very carefully before making a life decision based on $2500. That's not that much compared to the total cost of university.... its nice money but shouldnt make you turn down your dream school. Ask yourself which you'll regret more; turning down your dream school or turning down $2500 dollars.</p>

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<p>MSU, seems you can really benefit from there.</p>

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<p>I disagree with kaitylin. I turned UVA down last year for a small college in Illinois, which no one seems to care about (with about 12000 in merit aid per year). Although it is not prestigious as UVA, I love it here. I am a sophomore and I have had two research positions and credits for the last two semesters.</p>

<p>Also, the comment about students in lower tier schools being unmotivated is completely invalid. I'm sure that among the student body, even when the majority is unmotivated, you can always find students who are as motivated as you are. Not to mention that the 2500 is not just an amount of money. It is an opportunity that you may not be able to find in Cornell. Imagine a guaranteed one-on-one research with a faculty member. I bet that is hard to come by without excellent credentials. I will choose MSU over Cornell in a heartbeat with that kind of opportunity. After all MSU is a respected institution (when not discussed in CC).</p>

<p>I am not saying that you should definitely go with MSU, but just go with what you feel is right.</p>

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<p>I agree with nurmanator. You definitely seem like you would flourish at MSU.</p>

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<p>"Also, the comment about students in lower tier schools being unmotivated is completely invalid" </p>

<p>...I would disagree. It's the reason I transfered to Cornell from my other school. Though it was a top-50 school according to US News, the student body couldn't be more different. Though I'm sure you could find other highly motivated students at MSU (there were at my previous school), nothing beats a motivated student body. Big difference. </p>

<p>"It is an opportunity that you may not be able to find in Cornell" </p>

<p>...as mentioned, this was discussed on the Cornell forum and it was brought up how easy it is to do research under a professor. Cornell also has one of the best vet schools in the nation, the OP could easily rack up research time at the vet school. </p>

<p>I think that MSU's offer is just an attempt to lure top students into their schools and to draw them away from the more prestigious privates. There has been alot of issues with these "honors" programs as indicated in other forums. </p>

<p>Also, I was recently selected to a research opportunity at Cornell. It's under a professor of my choice and pays $2800 over 10 weeks. It wasn't a hard job to get at a research intensive university like Cornell, just apply and act interested.</p>

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<p>Here is a nice write-up on MSU (post #53):
<a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=28548&page=3&pp=20%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=28548&page=3&pp=20&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

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<p>Gomestar - where did you attend before transferring to Cornell? Would you make the decision to transfer all over again?</p>

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<ol>
<li><p>i transfered from syracuse...</p></li>
<li><p>yes and no ... yes I would transfer here again in a heartbeat; no with the idea that if I had to do it all over again I would have enrolled as a freshmen rather than spending that year at Syracuse.</p></li>
</ol>

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<p>I would take great delight in the offer from MSU. It's a fine school; you are being offered a wonderful opportunity there. Savor this time. </p>

<p>On the other hand, I would stop thinking of Cornell as a "dream school." It's a fine institution, to be sure, but this is a good time to relax a bit, and reflect on what you have accomplished. The pressure is gone: you're going to a well regarded school in the fall, in any event. It might be most useful at this time to think of Cornell as a place that has something to prove to you if it's going to tempt you away from this golden opportunity at MSU. </p>

<p>The odd truth about the dilemma of where to go to college is that in the long run, it probably matters less than we think. Thirty years ago, I was agonizing about where I was going to be the following fall, which turned out to have been Cornell. For the woman in the office next to mine, it was MSU. A few years later, we were choosing between some of the same law schools, and now perform similar work for the same company.</p>

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<p>I would add that MSU has a top rated Vet school...so it isn't too much of a reach. Among colleges of Veterinary medicine and Agriculture, MSU is very highly regarded...just like Purdue is in Engineering or Indiana is in Business.</p>

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<p>What would your major be at Cornell? </p>

<p>After you get your acceptance letter and financial aid package from Cornell you'll be able to make a more realistic financial comparison between schools. I know from personal experience that it is possible to get research experience and work study first semester freshman year at Cornell (at least in Applied Physics...answering a web-posted ad the first week). This position has continued for 4 years. I also know that Cornell is generous with grant money. So, wait and see what Cornell has to say. I think there is a temptation to start to bond with the first college that accepts you. Try to resist that temptation.</p>

<p>After you get your offer from Cornell, speak with a Cornell admissions counselor about your dillemma. Maybe they can sweeten the deal. Also speak with people in the vet school about the opportunities for freshmen for working with a vet at Cornell Veterinary Medicine (the number 1 Vet School in the world). I have taken pets to the clinic there and the place seems to be bustling with undergrad assistants and volunteers. The people in the Vet Clinic seem to have a real soft spot in their hearts for animals. Maybe they can give you a better idea or even help you start to line up a position in the Cornell Vet School. Try to leverage your offer from Michigan State at Cornell. It might help, or it might not.</p>

<p>What MSU has done is show you some tempting opportunities up front. You don't really know yet whether you might have those same opportunities at Cornell. (I think you would.)</p>

<p>Universities have very effective marketing machines. Don't make your decision prematurely. I would not be impressed by the Honors College amenities anywhere, including Michigan State. </p>

<p>I think the Cornell and MSU experience would be quite different. The academic climate and social life are different. If you like Division I sports, go to MSU. </p>

<p>All I can say is that Cornell really is a dream school, and a lot of very hard work.</p>

<p>Good luck with your decision. It is a nice predicament to be in. I am sure you could be happy at both places.</p>

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<p>gomestar, the point that I was trying to bring up in my previous post is that it is a mistake to generalize students in lower-tier schools in "lazy and unmotivated" category. My school is ranked #55 in USNEWS (LAC) and as much as it is not as prestigious as UVA, the majority of student body is very motivated. May be it is just your expectation that's a little high.</p>

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<p>probably, i've always had high expectations. I went into SU with very little expectations (since i'm from the area and was very familiar with the university and its student body) and was still dissapointed. I consider student body a very important part of the whole college process. </p>

<p>thelarson - i highly suggest you take the time to visit Cornell and visit the vet school (wait til you hear from admissions first). Visit the vet school facilities and talk to faculty and students; get a feel for the school. Do the same for MSU. Be familiar with both schools and their environments. It's a bit of a time and money investment, but it'll shape the next 4 years of your life (and beyond!). The post from collegehelp also provided several fantastic ideas. </p>

<p>Also, keep Cornell as your dream school. :)</p>

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<p>Edit: Posted in wrong thread.</p>

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<p>Alexandre went to UMich iirc</p>

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<p>
[quote]
it is possible to get research experience and work study first semester freshman year at Cornell (at least in Applied Physics...answering a web-posted ad the first week).

[/quote]

Specifically what kind of work did you perform and research experience did you get in your FIRST YEAR as a work study student? Kinda curious how much it has changed since my days in the lab.</p>

<p>Did you get to publish any paper after four years?</p>

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<p>Spetsnaz, I did go to Michigan...but I also went to Cornell. I am loyal to both schools. But I am also neutral when it comes to giving advice. I will oftern recommend other schools over either Michigan or Cornell if the cost difference is too great or if the fit isn't right.</p>

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<p>GoBlue-
When were you at Cornell? Just curious.</p>

<p>The first work study was as a lab assistant beginning first semester freshman year in a computer instrumentation course in the applied and engineering physics department. At first the work involved preparing and testing lab exercises for students taking the course. It evolved into research developing new experiments and devices that simulate quantum phenomena through classical physics (e.g. Boltzman machine). This job has been ongoing for four years.</p>

<p>The second work-study job began sophomore year in the Plasma Physics lab. The job was to develop software and devices for electronic data capture of subatomic events and is also ongoing. This is a skill developed in high school. </p>

<p>We had three oscilloscopes and several computers at home. I worked for two years while I was in high school as a paid nuclear diagnostics intern at a laser lab at a local university. Not many freshmen have this experience.</p>

<p>No publications but several papers. The papers have made a favorable impression so far on grad school interviewers.</p>

<p>Major Papers
A 4.0-Gbps CMOS Optical Receiver with 13.5dB Input Dynamic Range (Co-Author)
Fall 2005
This was the twelve page final paper of an analog CMOS design course. In Cornell ECE, this course is called a CDE (Cumulative Design Experience) and contains both heavy lecture material and laboratory requirement finishing in a final design project. This is taken very seriously and two such courses are required to graduate. Associated with ECE 453, Analog CMOS design. </p>

<p>The GPIB Experiment (Co-Author, Principal Author)
Fall 2005
This is a 15 page tutorial on programming GPIB device communications in three languages. This paper also contains pages on transmission line theory and a short pulse voltage divider impedance measuring method. This paper was revised by Professor XXX ZZZ of the Applied and Engineering Physics department and added to the course manual Computer Instrumentation Design – AEP 264 (Fall 2005).</p>

<p>The Boltzmann Machine (Co-Author, Principle Author)
Expected Fall 2006
This was a 15+ page entry level background on statistical mechanics, quantum mechanics, computer vision and image analysis. This also describes the experiment devised by a professor at the University of Michigan and how to computer instrument the experiment with a video camera. The paper ends with describing how to analyze data and determine system constant values. This paper is in the final stages of revisions and is expected to be added to the course manual Computer Instrumentation Design – AEP 264 in the fall of 2006. </p>

<p>Infrared Heart Monitor with Digital Pulse Counter (Co-Author)
Fall 2003<br>
This was a 10 page paper describing the construction of amplifier and trigger circuits, filters, and digital counter, multiplier, and driver circuits. This was part of an introductory circuits course where the digital circuitry was extra credit taken on by only my group. In this case, the paper contained less background theory and more straightforward design methods. There were a few innovations in the paper concerning the multiplier circuit and display drivers. </p>

<p>DDS (Direct Digital Synthesis) AM Transmitter with programmable tone generator (Author)
Spring 2005
This was the final project to another CDE (see first Paper above). This CDE specialized in RF circuits and techniques. The paper describes the design and programming of RAM chips to form lookup tables for different waveforms as well as the theory and implementation of the digital tone generator. There was a minor section on music theory in order to correctly form the tone frequencies.</p>