Northwestern vs. Cornell?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Northwestern University
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<p>I know there have been many threads like this lately, but I am really torn and could use some insight. I have been accepted to both Cornell and Northwestern and I am having trouble deciding between the two. I visited both last spring, but there is a good chance I will go to visit them again this month.</p>

<p>I really don't know yet what I would like to major in, so a well-rounded liberal arts education would be nice. What I am most interested in hearing about, however, are the differences between Ithaca and Evanston and the differences between the environments of the schools. I do like to party (although I know that isn't discussed much here) and I want to go to a place where there is nightlife. I am not a very competitive person, and I know that Cornell has a reputation as being a cut-throat environment. </p>

<p>I want to go to a school where I will receive a great education, while also having a good time. If anyone can shed any light on the differences between these schools (in as unbiased a way as possible) I will greatly appreciate it. Thank you very much CCers</p>

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<p>It seem like you have already decided and is posting on the Northwestern thread to get validations on your decision. I also got into both schools. I honestly don’t belive you are trying to get un-bias opinions, but rather validations on your Northwestern decision.</p>

<p>If you truly want un-bias opinions, then post on an independent thread.</p>

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<p>Cornell has a reputation, and I have heard it verified by a number of students, of letting people sink or swim on their own. Apparently, not much support is offered. On the other hand, NU has a process where it is easy, and fairly transparent, for students to secure assistance should they run into difficulty.</p>

<p>Cornell is also a much more competitive environment in most instances, whereas the atmosphere at NU does not seem be as cutthroat. Ithaca is not a particularly attractive town…Evanston is much nicer in my opinion.</p>

<p>Having said that, your best bet may be to visit both again and solicit opinions from previous attendees to both from your school.</p>

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<p>Between Ithaca and Evanston, Evanston is simply the larger and more urban version of Ithaca. Evanston offers more without even taking Chicago into consideration.</p>

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<p>To be honest, I really have not made a decision in either direction. I posted the same exact thread word for word on the Cornell forum. </p>

<p>I am posting on the forums of both colleges because I was hoping to receive insight from CC members who actually have experience/knowledge of the schools. </p>

<p>Thank you for posting, though.</p>

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<p>“also have a good time” …Northwestern…</p>

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<p>My uncle is a Professor at Cornell and I’ve visited Ithaca regularly throughout my life. My step brother WAS an undergraduate at Cornell, but ended up transferring out/dropping (in addition to having to take a “medical” leave). </p>

<p>Ithaca is, comparatively, a boring pathetic rural town, Cornell has one of the LEAST supportive administrations in the country, and is generally just less fun. I would suggest NU to almost anyone over Cornell. It’s simply got everything Cornell has and more. </p>

<p>And particularly for what you’ve expressed interest in, NU is the better choice. I will also urge you to be open minded about the Greek system (though since both schools are about 40% Greek that’s obvious). Cornell is more cutthroat, more east-coast prep, and offers far less access to Ithaca and the world at large. NU has more access to Evanston (which is better than Ithaca anyway) and direct access to Chicago too. And did I mention our private ocean?</p>

<p><a href=“http://wpcontent.answers.com/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fd/Northwestern_University_lakefill_panorama.PNG/800px-Northwestern_University_lakefill_panorama.PNG[/url]”>http://wpcontent.answers.com/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fd/Northwestern_University_lakefill_panorama.PNG/800px-Northwestern_University_lakefill_panorama.PNG&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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<p>Yes if you want to be very happy go to Northwestern. both are good schools and unless you really want to be at an ivy, northwestern is the best choice</p>

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<p>A friend who goes to Cornell says it’s such a pain arranging transportation there. By contrast, NU has easy access to two major airports (Midway and O’Hare) with lots of direct flight options. Our student government has also arranged transportation to both airports for $10-15 or you can take the CTA for $2.25. </p>

<p>Also, this might not be relevant, but I’ve noticed that people who go to Cornell are often compared (and compare themselves as well) with other Ivies and often lose out.</p>

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<p>I would concur with the comments of arbiter213 and cb0610^^
I would choose NU over Cornell in a heartbeat, unless there was something in particular about the east coast or Cornell that suited your needs better</p>

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<p>I am familiar with both school. cornell wins in terms of recruiting/presitge but i am honestly 100% confident that you will have a better time at NU if you like to go out.</p>

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<p>^Even in terms of recruiting, Cornell’s edge isn’t necessarily that clear. Cornell wins in WS positions due to its proximity. But as far as management consulting goes, NU may have the edge based on comparison of McKinsey/BCG events for the two schools:
[Bachelor’s</a> degree | Bachelors degree | B.A. | McKinsey Careers](<a href=“http://www.mckinsey.com/careers/is_mckinsey_right_for_me/backgrounds_like_yours/bachelors_degree.aspx]Bachelor’s”>http://www.mckinsey.com/careers/is_mckinsey_right_for_me/backgrounds_like_yours/bachelors_degree.aspx)
[url=<a href=“http://www.bcg.com/join_bcg/oncampus/default.aspx]BCG”>http://www.bcg.com/join_bcg/oncampus/default.aspx]BCG</a> - Join BCG - On Campus<a href=“note%20that%20both%20recruiting%20directors%20went%20to%20NU%20as%20undergrads”>/url</a></p>

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<p>I chose NU over cornell, so I’d say Northwestern :)</p>

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<p>Northwestern: Private beach, smaller student body population, greater range of amazing academic programs (econ, journo, theater, music, WCAS distros), laid-back atmosphere, CHI-CA-GO!, better cultural hub (important part of liberal arts education is diversity… NU/Chicago has that) and evanston is beautiful.</p>

<p>Visit both. I would bet a lot of money that i dont have that you will LOVE Evanston alot more than plain ole ugly ithaca.</p>

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<p>Then again, they do say Cornell is gorges…</p>

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<p>idk if this helps but northwestern’s generally ranked higher than cornell</p>

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<p>Too soon sinclaire, too soon…</p>

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<p>Ooh, sorry, that was pretty bad timing for that comment. I didn’t even know what was going on until I did a google search just now. My apologies; I never intended to poke fun at the situation at all.</p>

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<p>Evanston versus Ithaca/Collegetown - it’s a difficult comparison. I love them both but they are different. I think Ithaca and Collegetown are a little more down to earth, a little of the 60s is still present. Evanston is more suburban, more clean cut. Flight transportation is more difficult from Ithaca, but on a daily basis there’s no need for a car in either area.
Ithaca has gorges and state parks with water falls and swimming holes, and you have Cayuga Lake not far away. Evanston has Lake Michigan right on campus and bike riding is easier as the terrain is much flatter.</p>

<p>As far as academics is concerned I think the key difference is that NU is on a quarter system which allows you to take more classes each year which might be especially good for an undecided student. I think Cornell is larger overall as well. </p>

<p>Cornell might be cheaper, whether or not you’re a NYS resident, if you choose a major in the state schools tuition is lower.</p>

<p>Truthfully, you can’t go too wrong with either. Good luck!</p>

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<p>

There’s definitely a risk of getting bored with Ithaca. Ithaca may market itself as having everything you need and it may sound kinda like Evanston; but the fact is Evanston is still three times larger than Ithaca. Then, there’s Chicago if you want more.</p>