Turning down Cornell?

So I applied to Cornell ED and was deferred and it was my top choice at the time but then I realized I didn’t want to major in what I had applied for. Last minute I applied to the University of Rochester which is in my hometown and I was recruited as Varsity to their Crew Team and accepted. Then, I got accepted at Cornell and now I don’t know what to do because both are great schools but I would be rowing at one and not the other. Should I accept or deny Cornell’s acceptance?

Contact Cornell Crew. You never know what opportunities there might be.

I agree about looking into Crew at Cornell but also…go to the school you feel most at home with-that you like the best. Both are great schools.

Congratulations on your acceptances! I’m sure you’ve visited both schools since you live in Rochester (and applied ED), but plan on attending Cornell’s accepted students day (usually it’s several days and you can pick the day that suits your schedule). Maybe you could chat in person with the Crew coach, as well as sit in on a class – you have some time to decide. Two great options – good luck!

What if you decide you do not want to row after a year? My friend kid said varsity swimming was a must in college, so he picked his college based on that. After a year, he decided he wasn’t interest in college level swimming any more, but he was stuck with his college choice for 4 years. No matter which school you choose, focus on the fact why you are going to college.

@oldfort is absolutely correct. My older D based her college choice on where she was recruited for crew. The coach left the school over the summer, and the program wasn’t the same. She decided the athletics weren’t worth it after a semester. However, my younger D (current Jr at Cornell) had a freshman roommate that was a crew walk on, (she had lots of experience, just didn’t pursue trying to be recruited) and loves it. Talk to the coach. But, above all, go to the school that has the academic programs you really want. Good Luck!