<p>Since the semester is starting up in just a few short weeks, I thought that it might be helpful to make a Q&A thread to answer some of your questions. I won't answer or acknowledge anything about gauging your chances of getting into Cornell, but I would be more than happy to answer questions about move-in, orientation, course selection, dining hall preferences etc! I'll try to check this thread regularly, but feel free to PM me to remind me if it's been a while since my last response.</p>
<p>What is your major? I am still not totally decided on the courses I am taking in the Fall.</p>
<p>I am a " farm boy" interested in CALS. Are there many or even a group of students like myself on campus (outdoors type, athletic, country music, sterotypical country boy)?</p>
<p>Hello! Thanks for creating the thread. I’ll be a new student and wanted to know what is life in Cornell/Collegetown is like! Honestly how cold does it get?? How can I find cheap parking? What are fun things to do on the weekends? How accesible is NYC? Best places to eat with friends or when family comes? and what is one thing you wish you knew starting out?</p>
<p>@tsay – I’m a Human Development major in the College of Human Ecology. What is your prospective major? I can probably recommend some courses based on your interests if you give me some information on what you would like to take.</p>
<p>@cundalini – One of the great things about Cornell is that there are all types of people because of it’s relatively large size. I wouldn’t worry about finding other “farm people” especially in CALS. </p>
<p>@tortina – It gets pretty cold, especially starting in November. But, it depends on where your hometown is… if you’re from California, it will feel a lot colder than if you’re from Minnesota. Parking sucks at Cornell, the only way you can park on campus is with a parking pass that is about 800$. NYC is about 4 hours away, you can get there but not many people do it frequently because it’s not a short distance. There is a bus called Campus to Campus that goes directly from Ithaca to NYC that runs a couple times daily. Collegetown / Ithaca in general has really great places to eat in general… some of my favorites are Collegetown Bagels, Taste of Thai and Moosewood. One thing I wish I knew is that coursework piles up so fast, even in the first couple of weeks, so it’s smart to start out strong so you don’t fall behind in the very beginning.</p>
<p>Do you know about the computer science program? How is it?</p>
<p>My main question is how hard was it to get in?</p>
<p>Did you apply ED? </p>
<p>Also if you remember could you post your stats that got you into Cornell?
- i.e. your sat/act results, subject test results, highschool gpa (weighted), extracurriculars?</p>
<p>Lastly do you remember or have any tips on writing your essays to apply to Cornell (i.e. tips on short answer and long essay)?</p>
<p><strong>I know these are a lot of questions modelgeek, but It would really be helpful to know. The reason is I am the first child in my family who’s going to college in America, so everything is new. So, I’m sorry for the long list of questions but if you could answer any of them I would be extremely grateful, if that means anything to you.</strong></p>
<p>:D</p>
<p>Hey! I’m an incoming freshman, also studying Human Development except I’m doing pre-med too. I have 5 classes this semester including my FWS and I was wondering if I should drop psych 1101 since 17 credits seems like a lot for first semester. It was recommended to take it but I did get a 5 on AP Psych so could I get credit for that? Or is Psych 1101 required for Human Development? If not, do you still recommend taking it if you did? Thanks</p>
<p>How do you feel about the campus? I’ve heard it’s super big and spread out and students have to take a shuttle to get to class. Is this a major hassle? Also, what would you consider the best and worst things about Cornell?</p>
<p>@yourfave – I don’t really know anything about Computer Sciences, since it’s very different than my major, but I would assume it’s a good program. I believe it is offered in both the College of Arts & Sciences and Engineering College.</p>
<p>@questioner – I did not do ED. I had a 34 ACT and 710 Math II & 710 US History. For the essay, I would just make sure it’s well written and at least somewhat interesting. I don’t think the Common App essay is that important, but that could just be me. However, the Cornell supplement essay for your specific college IS important, in that you need to demonstrate a good fit with a certain major and/or the college’s philosophy.</p>
<p>@flyingeagle – Welcome to HD! 17 credits isn’t a ton, but it is your first semester. If you got a 5 on Psych AP, then you really don’t need to take PSYCH101. But, I did enjoy the class a lot, and I took it even though I had a 5 on the AP test as well. It is NOT required for the major though. It might be a good idea to drop a class depending on the difficulty of the courseload. Feel free to PM me your specific schedule if you want my further opinion.</p>
<p>@kelly – The campus is pretty big, but it’s not unmanageable. The TCAT bus system on Cornell’s campus is very good in my opinion and all first year students get free use of the buses by using their Cornell ID. I think the best thing about Cornell is the amazing academics that push you to really make the most of your 4 years and I’ve learned so much! Oh and the food is also really really good. The worst thing in my opinion would be the location… I don’t really like Ithaca / upstate NY and wish I went to a school in an urban environment. But, I’m still happy I picked Cornell!</p>
<p>@modelgeek282 I PMed you my schedule just for a little more of your thought but your post helped a lot thanks!</p>
<p>Hi! I’m a high school freshman beginning my college search and I am very interested in Cornell. Does the university have strong journalism and political science programs? (My intended majors)</p>
<p>Alright one last question modelgeek… How hard did you feel the Math II test was? And how, if at all, did you prepare for it? </p>
<pre><code> i.e. I have a Barron’s prep book. Is that good?
</code></pre>
<p>Thanks for all your help, and I do really hope you get into Cornell, modelgeek.</p>
<p>@flyingeagle – Glad I could help. And I PMed you back!</p>
<p>@redsfan – Cornell does not have a journalism or political science program, but I have heard good things about its government major from friends. Also, Cornell is home to the Cornell Daily Sun, which was just ranked the #1 college newspaper!</p>
<p>@questioner – I don’t remember Math II being that hard. I don’t remember which prep book I used, but I did use one. Good luck!</p>
<p>Thanks! That was very helpful.</p>
<p>Do you think it’s harder to get in as an undecided major?</p>
<p>Do you know anyone in Cornell who doesn’t have fabulous standardized scores? I always think all people in the Ivy League have almost perfect scores. Are there people who had average test scores?</p>
<p>Hi modelgeek! It’s great of you to make this thread.</p>
<p>I’ve heard that Cornell is a school primarily for someone who knows exactly what they want from their education (majors, specific classes, research opportunities, etc.) I haven’t really decided what I want to study, and would like to take my first year to explore the possibilities. Would this be hard to do at Cornell?</p>
<p>Also, how is North Campus (freshman dorms especially)? Would it be better to live in a freshman residence hall or a themed dorm like Risley?</p>
<p>@reno – Honestly, I have no idea. My college (College of Human Ecology) requires all students to pick a major when applying. </p>
<p>@yourfave – Most people have good test scores, but I haven’t really talked to a lot of people about their standardized test scores. I don’t think many people had “average” scores (like the SAT average is around 1600) though… ~2000 is the lowest I’ve heard, but I’m sure there are people with lower ones.</p>
<p>@paint – I think Cornell is a great place to explore your interests and narrow them down accordingly. I know a good number of people who came in undecided or changed majors with little problem. The only issues I know of happened involved the Engineering College due to its specificity. North Campus dorms are pretty standard for a college, nothing great or horrible. If you have an interest in the performing arts, Risley would be a great fit for you … if not, then I’d recommend a standard freshman dorm. Both of them are similar in terms of accommodations, Risley might be a little nicer.</p>
<p>I’m debating applying to Cornell ED - I love the campus and prestige of the school, but after looking at **************.com, the prospect of a bad social scene scares me. I’ve read comments such as: </p>
<p>“Cornell, in my opinion, overworks its students, and the people here are all academic climbers and care more about stepping on each other on their way to the top than wasting their precious time on forming real relationships with one another.
That said, the school is a lot of fun until the novelty of getting drunk at a frat party and slaying some slut wears off.”</p>
<p>“Cornell is the kind of place to go if you want to work your ass off and don’t mind having nothing to do but drink on the weekends. It attracts many people like this so be prepared to be around a lot of arrogant, boring people. Sure there are some cool people but if you’re an engineer and you’re not a complete genius then you will not have time to socialize if you do not join a frat.”</p>
<p>How accurate are these statements? Any insight would be helpful! Thanks!</p>