So I’ve been reading some really unfortunate posts about Cornell for some time now and how it’s judged as a “lower Ivy”. Though there is a quiet confidence among cornelians which leads us to hold our heads up and not bother with such nonsense- I’m going to clear it up. In national reports, Cornell falls about 4th in line with P, H& Y. Cornell is actually MORE competitive than the acceptance percent you will see online-though NO student will ever say it because in general the class and dignity of a Cornell grad prohibits it. With multiple colleges under the Cornell umbrella- like hotel management or Agri-science, who have a much bigger acceptance rate than the colleges of arts and sciences - the rate is averaged higher. However, here at Cornell- we celebrate other students and other majors/abilities and tend to be the types of “smart kids” who don’t need to go around bragging about percentages. We acknowledge there are gifted people found in every aspect of society not just arts and sciences. We have an alumni network larger than ANY other Ivy League- and it’s become something of a secret society in which we ALL know how hard it was to get in and that we have quietly allowed other ivy people to claim they are “better” than us for years. Even though we all (including them) deep down understand their confidence depends on that misconception. (It’s just like you let your little siblings believe in Sandra all those years even though you knew the truth.)
Being a Cornell grad means having been through some of the hardest classes in the ivies, but being in an environment where people know who they are and don’t need to compete or quantify others. It’s knowing if you are in COLAS - you are probably in the top 5% of the nation but not saying it out loud because your identity doesn’t depend on saying so.
Yes, there are people who very much need to think they are better and talk about the stats they see on the internet- but those people don’t understand how the system works or how Cornell has set up its college system to include a few colleges (separate entities) which misrepresent the acceptance rate.
My point is- if you are a high school student and you are looking at Cornell - come to Cornell if you want to be around people as smart and talented as you in a collaborative environment where bragging and validation are nonexistent. If you need to think you are always number one- Cornell is not for you. We are too busy having the time of our lives and being set up with thousands upon thousands of world alumni who know our secret and want to hire us because of it.
Perhaps you should just refer to Cornell as the “Big Ivy”.
This is perfect. I hope my prospective Cornelian sees this!
We just got back from a 3 college visit, Cornell, Princeton, and Swarthmore.I felt in no way that Cornell was the plain bellied Sneech of the ivy world. What Cornell is that perhaps other ivy’s are not is huge. It is a big school, big campus, lot’s of students etc. but quite lovely. I got the sense that a student could either love all the choices available or be overwhelmed by them. Princeton on the other hand felt more contained and controlled. Campus is much smaller and easier to manage in my opinion. Most students live on campus all 4 years so it removes one decision for them. Swarthmore was tiny as compared with the other 2. Had many positive aspects and many negative. What they all have in common is that they make applicants excited and crazy since the chances of getting in are very slim. But, I see why students want to go to any of the ivy’s as the resources and prestige are bountiful. What I found the most funny as we toured were both admins and students talking about all the free perks they offer/get like free laundry, airfare, theater tickets etc. I kept looking for the money tree where all this free money grew.
Your post was interesting to read through, but, at its core, does suggest, in a way that seems to contradict your thesis, that some students actually at Cornell do not attend the “Cornell” you have written about.
Regarding admissions rates specifically, many universities can be fractionated – in-state vs. out-of-state, engineering vs. arts and sciences, ED vs. RD, first-years vs. transfers, etc.
@merc81 I think you are missing her point.
In order for a Cornell student to defend just how selective their school is- they would have to throw other students under the bus whose admittance to another college within Cornell unrealisticly raises its acceptance rate. Because Cornell students are smart enough to know that “smart” includes class, dignity and diversity over a variety of areas- they simply won’t defend their selectivity (simply to shut up the other ivies who put them down) if it means having to call out other colleges within Cornell that they respect.
Nobody said those other students “don’t actually attend Cornell” - I think she was saying for the GENERAl student applying to college of arts and sciences (I’m assuming that was COLA) it will be WAY harder than the 14% (or 11% depending on what list you read.) You missed her point entirely. She, very truthfully and helpfully I think, just explained why kids assume they will get into Cornell and don’t, and also why Cornell is truly NOT at the “bottom” of the ivy list. Also why stats at these schools mean very little and those who need to flaunt them have it all wrong. Bravo to her.
@FinalFor we were actually pleasantly surprised with the financial offer from Cornell as we were told our EFC was 60k. The kid got a generous grant, workstudy and a loan that puts it well within reach.
Sorry if this is duplicate my post deleted? @merc81 I think you’re missing her point.
She’s saying that in order for a Cornell grad to defend how selective their school truly is- they would need to throw under the bus other students who attend Cornell in colleges that mistakenly raise the acceptance rate. Because Cornell students are smart enough to know that “smart” means being gifted in an array of subjects - I don’t think she’s saying those other kids don’t really go to Cornell. She’s saying that she’s not going to call them out just to shut up the other ivies who want to claim Cornell is not as selective. For a general liberal arts and science kid (I think that was cola) the acceptance rate is MUCH lower than the 14.% (or 11 depending on what list you read). So she’s explaining why she kids don’t get into Cornell and also why it’s not at the bottom of the ivies (if there is such a thing). Sounds like they very much respect those other kids and allow the mistaken “I need constant validation” type of student to beat on Cornell in order to defend those kids right to be there. They have class and dignity and don’t need to brag.
I’m impressed.
While obviously a terrific school, the post did give me a giggle. A social acquaintance couple both graduated from there. I know this because he mentions it once every 25 minutes; she does it every 40. I kept track the second or third time we shared a meal. Nice people otherwise.
Do you by any chance know how competitive CALS is for OOS? I saw that it hosts the best food science program in the world. I thought CALS was a competitive school given this ranking.
@50N40W Did you have dinner with Andy Bernard from the Office? LOL. Still, gotta love Cornell!
@KaleSeed I saw some internal numbers a few years ago that indicate that the overall acceptance rate at CALS is 20% compared to 15% overall (& 12% at COLAS). My son found USNWR rankings of ag sci programs & Cornell is #2 in the US (behind UC Davis) & # 4 in the world.
Thanks @Steglitz90 ! What is COLAS? Also, for food science Cornell is #1 in the world not agri science in general.
http://colleges.startclass.com/d/o/Food-Science
They all sound like amazing programs- that’s the point of the OP- there’s so much more there than at regular ivies and to try to commit them to numbers is unfair. I remember when we visited there how much our tour guide was talking about the food service program and how amazing it is- they are really proud There of each aspect about Cornell (and she was a pre-med/fashion design major who was redesigning the local FD uniforms) truly amazing and something there for everyone.
Dear lord, there is no college within cornell that is easier to get into or needs defending. Cornell has a 12 percent acceptance rate. That is ridiculously competitive and the notion of little ivy is a myth. Does not exist. The caliberal of student at Cornell can compete statististically or otherwise with any school.
My son is first year at CALS and visited Cornell, Harvard and Brown. Cornell just had that wonderful combination of prestige, close knit/caring community, large diverse student body and students who are down to earth. The great food, beautiful campus and surroundings were the icing on the cake
Cornell has this unique vibe about their students that doesn’t scream snootiness and condescension is what sold my son. Cornell does an exceptional job at fostering a close knit community even though it’s the largest Ivy. The courses are definitely tough but there’s so much support available. When he had visited Brown, students told him you could pretty much take whatever courses and you’d get a degree. At Harvard, students he spoke with were concerned a lot with what clubs they’re in and their social status. Cornell had everything he was looking for in terms of social climate, networking, academic support and structure and great food!
OMG! I’m SO excited! I was just accepted to CALS for food science, and I’m visiting for the first time in mid April! I am super excited for the school and the Ithaca Farmers’ Market. I cannot wait! Thanks for all your input and advice (:
I want to go to Cornell University for the Fall of 2017. I’m going to go to Cornell University for the Fall of 2017. I’m going to send my parents pictures of Cornell.
The OP surely loves Cornell. Good for her.
I think @ivygirl18 expressed it well. My son is first year at CALS, and he visited Cornell, Harvard and Brown as a recruit. The fact that Cornell has this unique vibe about their students that doesn’t scream snootiness and condescension is what sold him. Cornell does an exceptional job at fostering a close knit community even though it’s the largest Ivy. The courses are definitely tough but there’s so much support available. When he had visited Brown, students told him you could pretty much take whatever courses and you’d get a degree. At Harvard, students he spoke with were concerned a lot with what clubs they’re in and their social status. Cornell had everything he was looking for in terms of social climate, networking, academic support and structure and great food!