<p>I graduated from Cornell a couple of years ago and am now living in the South Bay, not far from Stanford. I can’t really speak to the engineering perspective, but I’d like to offer the fiscal and lifestyle perspective.</p>
<p>Aside from tuition (didn’t look at those numbers), Cornell is definitely more affordable. Moving off campus and finding a place within 10 minutes from campus (walking) for $500-$600 is very feasible, while I cannot say the same for Stanford/Palo Alto. Eating off-campus is also much less expensive at Cornell than at Stanford.</p>
<p>Cornell, Ithaca, and the Upstate New York region have a lot of character. Cornell’s Collegetown really felt like our own little city- a handful of fun college bars, a very popular bagel place (Collegetown Bagels, aka CTB) on the corner, houses that you wouldn’t really consider living in once you’re in the “real world,” college students everywhere. Palo Alto, on the other hand, is mostly populated by young professionals. It’s much ritzier and less intimate.</p>
<p>My vote obviously lies with Cornell, but definitely visit both campuses if you have the chance. If you’re accepted to Cornell, they will invite you to “Cornell Days,” during which you can stay with a student in the dorms, go on tours of North Campus (where all freshmen live), and get a feel for what life at Cornell is like. Stanford might do something similar.</p>
<p>Anyway, good luck in the application process!
Dana</p>