Hi all,
I’m currently a freshman at Cornell University. I was admitted this past March with a 1560 math/reading, 760 physics and 720 math 2 sat ii. I attended Staten Island Technical High School and had a 103 weighted gpa (96.5 ish unweighted). I took 7 ap classes and received a 5 on all 5 of the legitimate ap exams (I exclude Russian and whatever the hell physics 2 is). Anyways, I plan on majoring in either engineering physics/mechanical engineering/ or electrical engineering. The problem is, I’m just not that crazy about Cornell thus far.
Ithaca is radically different and significantly more boring and isolated than New York City. I’m not crazy about the student body here either. It seems like everyone is either in greek life or is a jock, both of which I do not care for. Furthermore, the only thing to do here honestly, is to party in collegetown. I’m not someone who likes to party; I much prefer to do literally whatever with a close group of friends whom I have a few to many interests in common with. The academics aren’t impossible but they’re very challenging and the mean gpa in the college of engineering (2.7) shows that.
I’ll cut to the chase. Northwestern University was my number 1a this spring with Cornell as my 1b. I preferred Northwestern for its location and its supposedly much more humble and relaxed environment (compared to Cornell). Needless to say NU gave me the short end of the stick and told me to go elsewhere. I’m strongly considering applying as a transfer this coming March and seeing how it goes.
I’ll enumerate my questions and concerns:
Just how bad/awkward is it to transfer? Have other people at Cornell had similar experiences? Has anyone from Cornell transferred elsewhere and believe they made the right choice?
Basically any information comparing the two universities would be appreciated as well. Thank you.
I personally know two students who transferred out of Cornell for very similar reasons. One was also an engineering major. Both are much, much happier. I am biased against Cornell after living for a long time in the region (and I was born in Ithaca) and knowing quite a number of very unhappy students there.
Personally, I think with a major like engineering, where the “name” of the school isn’t going to matter that much and there are many other notable programs, I think you should go somewhere where you would be happier. Apply to Northwestern again, but also take a look at some other programs in larger cities where you might be a lot happier. Of the two recent transfers I know, one went to Northeastern (Boston) and the other went to Villanova (was a superstar there and has a great job now). One of my sons was interested in engineering, and of the schools we considered, Rice blew me away and is in an interesting city. Definitely did not strike me as a party school.
Good luck with your decision! I hope you can find a place that fits you better.
While the location is always going to be Ithaca, I don’t think you are looking hard enough to find your peeps. There is no way that all the freshmen are partying and/or jocks. Maybe once you find more friends, the location won’t be as much of an issue. I went to SUNY B and totally get it. By senior year, I couldn’t wait to get out of the area even though I loved college. With that said, I know for sure that kids like you do exist at NU and Evanston is fantastic, and of course Chicago rocks! I like the above suggestion of Rice as well. Good luck!
By the way, when I said location is always going to be Ithaca, I only meant you can’t change the location of school. I personally don’t care for the area but I do recognize that a lot of people live very happily upstate, away from the hustle and bustle of NYC.
While Cornell seems to have some plusses, it has its share of negatives too. It’s certainly not for everyone…you gave it a shot and it didn’t work out. No shame in that. Northwestern and Rice sound like good alternatives…might also consider big schools which have a niche for everyone, like michigan, Wisconsin, and Boston University, and Geo. Wash. U.
It’s only October of freshmen year, how long a shot is that? I’m not saying that you shouldn’t apply to transfer, but life has a way of turning on a dime.
@falloftroy “Just how bad/awkward is it to transfer?”
It isn’t bad or awkward.
“Have other people at Cornell had similar experiences?”
It happens at every school. I think that being away from the city can be an adjustment for some students. A country kid at Columbia may feel equally out of place.
I would suggest that you work down two paths at the same time. First, investigate the difficulty and requirements for transfer to NU. It will be important to keep your grades up to make that easier. Second, I would try to get involved in some clubs and activities on campus. That will help you find your peeps. If you are not going to get involved, then you may struggle at the new school too. If you do get involved and decide you like it there after all, that is fine. If you still don’t like it, then you are glad you are already working on Plan B.
“Basically any information comparing the two universities would be appreciated as well.”
I disagree, in general, with the poster who said that where you go for engineering does not matter. However, between NU and Cornell I agree that they are largely comparable in quality of education. Evanston is a nice town with lot of restaurants. Downtown Chicago is probably 30 minutes away nearby, if you are a real city kid that will be good. There is a lot to do there.
Looking at your comment, it appears you still haven’t gotten over the fact that Northwestern University (NU) gave you “the short end of the stick” Why are your HS stats even necessary in the context of this post? You can’t let go of that fact, that NU is your single focus, the only school you want to transfer to. Irrespective of which school you attend, outside of NU, you will not be happy. Maybe you need to start looking forward instead of looking in your rear view mirror. NU has already told you that they did not feel you were an acceptable match for their institution. You are now enrolled at one of the top US University…make the best of it!
My understanding is that Greek life is very big at NU. Odd that you want to transfer there to get away from Greek life.
Physics 2 is half of an algebra-based introductory physics class (think high school physics or watered-down physics for premeds). If that was too hard for you, I’d rethink whether engineering physics is a good major for you.
I don’t know why you’re being so passive aggressive. At the time I took it I already knew I was going to attend Cornell and that they don’t give credit for the brand new physics 2 test, so I didn’t study for it at all and also had to take it on my birthday. Thanks for attempting to give feedback.
“Thanks for attempting to give feedback” is not a great way to encourage additional comments (talk about passive aggressive).
I apologize; I wasn’t and still am not in a good mood.
It’s pretty hard to judge a school after 6 weeks. Cornell is pretty large, there are lots of outdoor activities, and student organizations are just getting started. Sometimes it works best to go out of your comfort zone and meet people outside of your dorm or interest area. Give it a year and then see how you feel. Keeping up your grades will make it a lot easier to transfer.
Were you rejected from Northwestern? Or not provided enough aid?
If so, what will change their decision as a transfer?
Finish out the year at Cornell and then decide. I thought Cornell Engineering was wonderful and led me to a great grad school and excellent job. Why are you having trouble making friends? I never joined a frat but had lots of friends. The student body is so large and diverse, how can you not find some kindred spirits? Engineering keeps you very busy. Many Engineering students are international. Is that part of the problem? I didn’t see many “jocks” in Engineering. For a college environment, the partying is pretty tame. You should be focusing on studying anyway. Once you know you can manage the workload, then look for the social life and culture. Freshman year is a big adjustment. Hang in there. You’ll be fine.