<p>I'm a VA resident with a northern attitude. I'm interested in Communications/Film/English. I loved Cornell when visiting the school.<br>
I have a good chance at both schools (WM and Mary better).
Both schools would offer a top notch Liberal Arts ed.
Should I apply early decision to Cornell? Is the price tag worth the IVY status and connections to the journalism/communication world?</p>
<p>Its a gamble but I would apply ED to Cornell. You would probably get into W&M anyway without the ED advantage. Cornell will make itself affordable.</p>
<p>However, if money is a potential issue then you should not apply ED to either place. See what the aid package is at Cornell and then make your decision. </p>
<p>You can use an online EFC calculator to estimate your Cornell costs after financial aid.</p>
<p>Cornell is far from a LAC like W&M. Both will open doors and prepare you for the world. I was in Ithica in April and it was 25 degrees and blowing snow with gusts of 40 mph. While at Duke or W&M it was 75 and people are playing frisbee outside. That is the biggest difference bewtween the schools. If you like winter and isolation Cornell will be a great place. If not, look South to W&M, Duke, Emory.</p>
<p>W&M in-state versus Cornell? Not worth the $$$, and every W&M person I've met professionally does very well.</p>