Do any of you have any advice for deciding between these two schools? I am thinking about majoring in chemical engineering, but may change to a different field, so overall strength in academics is very important to me. Obviously, Cornell has a great reputation as an Ivy, but Michigan is also very strong in engineering. I have been to Ann Arbor dozens of times in my life and really like the atmosphere there, but I also like the older feeling of Cornell and Ithaca.
“…but I also like the older feeling of Cornell and Ithaca.”
Actually, Michigan is older. Michigan was founded in 1817, Cornell was founded in 1865. Andrew Dickson White, co-founder and first president of Cornell, was a professor at the University of Michigan.
Both are equally good in Engineering and overall. You cannot go wrong. If finances are not a concern, go for fit.