<p>Hello all! So I got into UChicago and Cornell, but I cannot, for the life of me, decide where the heck I want to go.</p>
<p>I am a pre-med, biology major who wants to go to a top-notch med school. Which college would be best for me?</p>
<p>As snobby as it sounds, I like the Ivy League prestige that comes with Cornell, but I don't like the Ithaca area. I also heard it's nearly impossible to maintain a high GPA at this school, especially in pre-med classes.</p>
<p>UChicago is also very difficult, I'm well aware, but it seems like students are more... I don't know, happy in comparison? Also, I like the hustle-and-bustle lifestyle of Chicago. </p>
<p>Keeping in mind that my main goal is to get into an amazing medical school, which college would be more advantageous for me to attend?</p>
<p>You believe Cornell has more prestige than U of Chicago simply because it’s in the Ivy League? No offense to Cornell, which is a world class university, but I would have a hard time wrapping my head around that conclusion. </p>
<p>Most CC’ers and many ambitous HS students are Ivy obsessed (mostly because they don’t know any better) but I don’t think you would find that this is the case outside of this fishbowl.</p>
<p>Never did I say that the fact that UChicago is not an Ivy League makes it less prestigous. If you look at the rankings, UChicago is #9 while Cornell is #15. If I was making my decision based on the Ivy League factor alone (or rankings-wise, for that matter), I would have a definitive college decision now. </p>
<p>And yes, hahaahah, the “where fun goes to die” slogan is something I’m very much aware of. However, most of the student reviews I’ve read for it explain that the stress is all worth it, praising UChicago as being one of the best choices they’ve made. Cornell, on the other hand, seems to be 50/50 on whether it’s an awesome college or simply miserable, especially for pre-med kids.</p>
<p>However, discussing the amount of prestige and it’s “toughness” is kind of a moot point - there is no doubt both are great schools and both are challenging! However, I’m just asking for feedback, more opinions, that could help me make this decision!</p>
<p>And really, I’m not super-duper talented - I recieved a nasty amount of rejections, so I’m just really thankful for these two! (:</p>
<p>I just think that both schools are great academically. The decision would then come down to which will give you a more rewarding University experience. You like the Chicago people which is a big plus. In addition UChicago is a smalller school, so it should be easier to make friends. Lastly, Chicago is a great, great city to go to school and work afterwards. The weather should not be an issue, as Cornell has bad weather also. It looks to me that Chicago wins hands down! Good luck.</p>
<p>Well, thank you for all of the input, as well as the links to other threads, but I have yet to hear input from pre-med or biology majors…</p>
<p>Also, if one were to have two applicants, exactly identical qualifications, yet one from Cornell and the other from UChicago, who would be looked upon more favorably? Or are they so neck and neck, that it really doesn’t matter?</p>
<p>Personally, as a fellow biology and pre-med major, I would encourage the university of chicago because they have great research facilities (I visited) and internship that are a great foot in for pre-med and bio. Also, in today’s day and age, I think the Univeristy of Chicago has gained more prestige that Cornell as a better school for pre-med and science majors as opposed to Cornell which is often established as a school that is better for more social science studies. If I were to meet two student with the same qualifications I would pick the one from the university of Chicago. The campus seems like it does not take it’s prestige to it’s head (no offense to anybody from Cornell) so they seemed more down to earth when I visited. Also, they do a lot of things in and outside of academics to engage the students and bring them together. So when it is all said and done, my vote is for the university of Chicago! Hope that helps!</p>
<p>i’m in the same dilemma. however i’m majoring in chemistry pre-med. Right now i’m leaning toward cornell. I’m quite frankly scared of the Core Curriculum. I don’t like social sciences and would much rather be a science specialist and besides my research mentor was an alumni at cornell and I would probably get a lab position that does not involve cleaning the dishes 24/7 :)</p>
<p>If i were you though, i would consider grade deflation. I’m realy just scared of chicago as premed. nonetheless its a good school still</p>
<p>What africana said is completely incorrect. Cornell has some of the best science and engineering departments in the U.S. and is more known for those than it is for social studies departments. Chicago is the university that’s known for social studies (especially math and economics).</p>
<p>There are some criticisms about the way that Chicago prepares kids for med school admissions because of advising that shies away from preprofessionalism and because of grade deflation. I’m sure the same could be said about Cornell to an extent, but it’s certainly something to consider. </p>
<p>However, you’re more likely to thrive at the school you “fit” the best. Personally, I’m Chicago all the way–love the campus, the location, the Core, the quirks. Others will lean the other way.</p>
<p>I completely apologize to all about my thoughts on Cornell, it’s just that I have seen many great lawyers and politicians come from there. But I know that Chicago is also as likely to produce those people. Also the fact that I have visited Chicago so of course I am partial to it in my opinion! If I have in any way offended you I apologize! ;)</p>
<p>I’m leaning towards Cornell simply for fear of Chicago’s core curriculum as well. Anyone care to shed light on the pros vs. cons of the core? Especially for us pre-meds/science majors?</p>
and besides my research mentor was an alumni at cornell and I would probably get a lab position that does not involve cleaning the dishes 24/7 :)</p>