<p>I would so appreciate some insight!</p>
<p>With scholarships, they are essentially the same price $$$.</p>
<p>Rutgers: pros/cons
-larger, national/international reputation (sub-"Ivy")
-more schools, more classes, more everything
-closer to home
-has students that applied to top schools (more intelligent/challenging?)</p>
<p>-buses
-overwhelming student size (getting lost in the crowd?)
-frowned upon in-state but better for getting a job in NE (more well-known)?</p>
<p>Ithaca: pros/cons
-more manageable size, interested in communications (but not dead-set in being a movie director or something)
-honors program and several scholarships
-been recommended by several people</p>
<p>-not as well known, not as "good" a school
-not sure what I would do with a major in "Cinema & Photography"...jobs?
-B+ students?
-5+ hour drive</p>
<p>I am leaning towards Ithaca because I think I would get more individual opportunities with being in the honors program and the communications school (big fish in medium pond) rather than getting lost at Rutgers. </p>
<p>However, Rutgers seems like the more practical and logical choice: am I correct in saying it is more well-respected?</p>
<p>I am also on the waitlist at Cornell (but unlikely to be admitted and be able to pay), will I feel overshadowed if I attend Ithaca knowing I ALMOST got into Cornell?</p>
<p>Thank you for any help!!</p>
<p>Ithaca College is Cornell’s step sister in town - but IC students do NOT view themselves as “lesser” - IC has a ton of school pride.</p>
<p>That being said, I would choose Ithaca over Rutgers anyday, and I know Rutgers is an excellent school. IC graduates are competitive, especially in communications - check their job placement/career services/alumni office for specifics.</p>
<p>And if you wanted to be close to more “challenging” events, you could spend a lot of time going to Cornell speakers, films, and cultural events - although, as I said, IC people love IC and don’t feel the need to travel to the other hill.</p>
<p>But if it’s going to bother you to see Cornell’s tower/campus everyday looming over the town, by all means go to Rutgers. You can’t really go wrong with either choice - trust your instincts. Good luck.</p>
<p>Rutgers is the superior institution. Ithaca is not in the same class. Go to Rutgers unless Cornell comes calling.</p>
<p>I would choose Rutgers. You would have more options at an institution like Rutgers.</p>
<p>That is what I am having difficulty with is that I know Rutgers is a “better” school, more respected and well known…but maybe being in the honors program at Ithaca and being at the “top” at Ithaca is better than being “average” at Rutgers?..</p>
<p>In Ithaca, there is Cornell and there is Ithaca College. In New Brunswick, there is only Rutgers. If you could be at the top at Ithaca, you won’t be average at Rutgers. Don’t go to private just for the sake of it. Many top states offer better education.</p>
<p>Thanks for your responses…still not decided (ugh)…!</p>