<p>So I have a unique situation, and I was curious what you all thought about my circumstances. I was accepted to both Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration as well as the University of Michigan's College of Engineering this weekend. (I want to study operations, both have it) </p>
<p>I originally applied to Cornell ED and got deferred, but back then, I thought I wanted to study business operations, and over the last few months, I have realized that industrial and operations engineering is more up my alley. </p>
<p>I love each school for different reasons. A lot of my family has gone to Cornell (4th generation legacy), and I would love to continue the trend. My sister is in an upper tier sorority at Cornell already, so social life would be no problem. The SHA has a very tight alumni network, and it is the best in the nation for what it is. Michigan on the other hand offers state of the art facilities, a fantastic college town, and an amazing IOE program. I also love to watch sports, so that is pulling me in as well. It is far from me though (Im in NJ), and I know almost no one who attends the university.</p>
<p>Basically, I am asking CC what they think the better option is. Over the last few days, people have been sharing their opinions with me left and right, and I know I have a while to decide, so I am going to take my time in making this decision. I want to hear other people's opinions on which school is better/worth the time & money/better options coming out. </p>
<p>Both are great schools. However, if you do want to go down the engineering path, aren’t you in the wrong school at Cornell to do this? There is a signficant difference between those two paths. If you are certain you want the engineering side of it, then go where you have the engineering admission in hand. You can’t really go wrong with an engineering degree from Michigan, too. Assuming you have visited both schools, and don’t have a strong preference between the campus/surrounding areas, go be a Wolverine. :)</p>
<p>rockymtnhigh, I think they are actually somewhat similar in feel. Student bodies not too different, both quite large, pretty intellectual/stimulating places. Weather probably comparable…</p>
<p>No one else can tell you which school is the best fit for you. Make a list of pros and cons for each school. Make a list with similarities and differences. Rank items on your lists. Either one school will pop out at you or you can flip a coin and be happy in either place. Whatever you do, do not look back, but look forward always and have no regrets.</p>
<p>you cannot change schools at Cornell until you complete one semester, but from what i hear, the hotel program is AMAZING and everyone who is in it loves it. I do have the right personality for it, but I’m also a decent math student who is interested in statistics and modeling. it’s really going to be a difficult decision.</p>
<p>Also, take a look at travel costs and time to and from Ann Arbor. For instance, see how much a flight would cost right before Thanksgiving. I imagine you would try to fly into Detroit’s Airport, which is probably about an hour to the east.</p>
<p>One of my kids is a recent Cornell graduate. Based on the experience of her friends, I can tell you that not everyone in the hotel school is happy to be there. Although some love it, others find out that they don’t belong there and end up transferring into some other school at Cornell. Others complete the program but end up in careers unrelated to the hotel/restaurant industry.</p>
<p>Much as I love Cornell (it’s my alma mater as well as my daughter’s), I think you’re better off at Michigan. The school you’ve been admitted to at Cornell is not the one that best meets your needs. Theoretically, you could attempt to transfer to the engineering school, but you can’t do it immediately, and I think it’s likely that if you did transfer successfully, you would need more than 8 semesters to complete your degree. </p>
<p>Another point: Engineering is one of the most demanding and difficult programs at Cornell. The fact that you’ve been admitted to another school at Cornell (and congratulations on that, by the way) does not necessarily mean that you have what it takes to succeed in Cornell engineering. Wouldn’t you feel more comfortable at Michigan, where the admissions people have decided that you do have what it takes to succeed in their engineering program?</p>
<p>If you really want to give engineering a shot,then Michigan is your school. It 's a difficult discipline and not one to try “on the side”. You will be reducing your chances to succeed and probably end up having to take an additional year, if you don’t go directly into engineering.</p>
<p>Having said that, the Hotel School is wonderful,and Cornell is a great place. It comes down to what you want to give your first and best shot. The business/hospitality disciplines or engineering.</p>
<p>I know nothing about Michigan so can only comment that I found one of the best aspects of Cornell to be “any person, any study”. I loved taking classes all over the university and still regret being unable to take a class in AA&P. (Didn’t start down the path early enough to satisfy pre-reqs for a course in CR&P.) Good luck with whatever you decide.</p>
<p>It makes absolutely no sense to go to Cornell’s School of Hospitality when you have decided you want to go into engineering and have been accepted into Michigan’s engineering program. I can’t understand why this is even a question.</p>
<p>If there is a long family tradition of going to Cornell, maybe blazing a new trail of your own, by picking U of Michigan, will be an inspiring start to your young-adult life. Does your family have a preference?</p>
<p>My S went to University of Michigan…I think both schools are good. He did have trouble adjusting to such a big school and there is something to be said having a sibling in the same school as you to help you out and adjust. My D is now looking at schools but are probably going to decide on a smaller school closer to home.</p>