<p>I have a few questions and concerns regarding the Cornell CAS program, and I have not been able to find clear answers to my questions on the main website. </p>
<p>I understand that all students are required to write a thesis during the final year, yet the website seems to refer to specific/specially selected honors students when it mentions an honors thesis. Would someone please clarify for me? If the thesis exists, what is it like?
For example, I would consider beginning a computer science track during my second year. (I would probably have to exceed four years, but this is expected.)</p>
<p>Second: I would like to know whether Cornell helps its students/offers training so that they may pass the swimming test. (I am not too experienced or athletic, but with aid I am sure that I could pass.)</p>
<p>I am basically doing a little investigating. Currently I am at another university and I have found that Cornell's program may be better suited for my interests.</p>
<p>I am looking forward to responses. Thank you very much. Also, if there is anything else I should know that is related to what I am asking, please mention it.</p>
<p>Thesis is not required for all students. It is only for honors.
If you can’t pass the swim test then you would be required to take swim classes (not sure if it is one or 2). They will count toward your gym requirement.</p>
<p>Cornell offers a great beginner swimming class that counts towards required PE credits. The teachers start slow in the shallow end and are very patient. Most people taking the course have no swim experience at all and were able to pass the swim test after just one semester. If you need more time, you can take a 2nd semester of swimming. I believe if you still can’t pass after a second semester, your swim requirement is still fulfilled and you don’t have to take it again.</p>
<p>Thank you for the responses.
I have completed my first year at another university but I have found that it may not be the best for all four years. I am just trying to determine whether I really should give a transfer a try. This means that I have to justify a potential transfer by knowing for sure that Cornell has the better program/ the more enjoyable one.</p>
<p>The computer science program + video game design minor (and the sub choices including music composition for games) are exactly what I would like to try. I have to see whether I would be eligible though. I don’t have experience yet so I don’t expect to graduate in four years. At my current university, I will try intro to programming next semester, and the nice coincidence is that Python is the intro course at my university and at Cornell.</p>
<p>I am still a little cautious about the idea. I am looking to move from a city to… well… I understand that Cornell has a great environment and sustainability options. -and I also understand that it has great programs in general. </p>
<p>There are also negative stigmas related to the workload. Those intimidate me a little bit.</p>
<p>Would anyone have any other advice? I am in the research stage so I need to investigate the programs, the environment, etc.</p>
<p>For example, my school also operates using a 4.0 GPA scale, whereas Cornell allows for 4.3 GPAs. Would I be at a disadvantage then?</p>
<ul>
<li>a friendly bump with an emphasis on my previous post.
If anyone has impressions about food/living environment/etc., it will be helpful as well.</li>
</ul>
<p>I also understand that the grading at Cornell is far more -well I would compare it to the grading at an older European University, where perfection is not expected. One of my concerns is that my final GPA at my current university would be “higher” than a Cornell GPA in all likelihood. Would employers understand? DO they understand?</p>
<p>6-9 papers, 25-30 pages –> I had three writing-based classes per semester, two of which were called “Writing I and Writing II”. For these I only wrote around three to four essays, but the page number increased with every paper.( 5, 7, 12) usually (24-30).</p>
<p>I also had two other “seminars/required courses” per semester that followed a similar format, but they also acted as writing courses. In total I wrote nine papers per semester.</p>
<p>I am worried that this isn’t enough to transfer credit from these classes. Would transferring to Cornell really render my first year at my current university a waste? My university basically imposed the same requirements across three concurrent courses, which was in a way more difficult.</p>
<p>I am not sure whether I should contact Cornell directly or speak with my academic advisor, who may be able to find more definite information. I would guess the latter. In general I am trying to figure whether I should speak with someone at Cornell directly or not. I do not want to be redirected to the website.</p>
<p>I am looking forward to a response. Thank you.</p>
<p>The engineering school offers of a bachelor of science in computer science, and the College of Arts and Sciences offers a bachelor of arts.</p>
<p>I am interested in taking courses outside of my major and I am most likely to take courses in software and writing, and I will probably experiment with game design initiative courses (or related courses) and other electives.
My plan was to apply to the College of Arts and Sciences, but I am afraid that the degree will not allow me to study the particular facets of computer science that I would like.
I am also concerned that the degree would not allow me to find work in software development.</p>
<p>Would someone dispel my fears, or explain what I may expect? I would have to apply to the College of Arts and Sciences, but I want to know that I would have the best opportunity possible. I cannot consider transferring unless I know with certainty that it is a good idea.</p>
<p>It seems like you are very nervous/uptight about this. Why don’t you simply just call an admissions rep and get the an answers straight from them? It’s probably the best way for you to go about this.</p>
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