<p>Congrats Everyone! I'm glad that the whole waiting process is over! It feels so good to have a big load off my shoulders! Now comes the hard part... I've been going back and forth between Williams and Cornell, and I really can't make a decision. I'm planning to visit both schools later this month, but only for a short period of time.</p>
<p>Here's a little information about me:
I want to pursue something that involves lots of interaction with people in the future (as broad and general as that may be), and so I'm considering going into psychology or sociology. I'm definitely not really a big city type, and I don't know how well I would do in humid weather (I do enjoy the sun though). I dread the quarter system (I don't think I'd like taking so many classes and exams so frequently). I really want to attend a school that is fairly cohesive, where people are friendly and supportive, and like to do things together, rather than go off on their own all the time (I like people!!). I'm not a huge sports fan, but I do like the idea of a unified student body. </p>
<p>So far, here are the pros I've come up with from each school.
Cornell:
Pros: Location (I guess this could be a con for some people...), Highly ranked in social sciences, lots of internship opportunities, semester system, diverse</p>
<p>Williams:
Pros: Unified student body, people do things together on campus, more highly ranked in terms of overall school, diverse </p>
<p>I tried to think of cons... but couldn't! I love them both!</p>
<p>Anything to add? Please help me in this decision. I am so stuck!!! (Current students' advice would be GREATLY appreciated!)</p>
<p>Someone had the same decision to make last year. You could probably find all the posts on the Williams and Cornell Boards.</p>
<p>Hey wjdeogus,
I’m actually in the same situation right now. I’m between Williams and Cornell, and also slightly thinking about Georgetown… but most likely the battle is between Williams and Cornell.
I’m also planning on taking psychology as a major. </p>
<p>One thing I’m worried about Cornell is that perhaps it’s a little too big?
I rather like the small intimate size of Williams.
people around me are reeaallly wishy washy right now. One moment they like this, then the next they like the other.</p>
<p>As of now I find myself leaning towards Williams. I don’t really have a specific reason why. It’s more like a gut feeling about it. ;)</p>
<p>I’ll be visiting both Cornell and Williams in middle of March to finalize my decisions. I think my main focus during the visit will be the sense of community in each school, since I’m pretty sure that at either school I’ll get a superb education.</p>
<p>Hope you the best of luck!
Plus congrats to all seniors of 2010,2014!!</p>
<p>Overall personality of the school is also something to consider. Williams is more outdoorsy, for example. Also, consider the party scene, drinking, and Greek life. If that matters to you, Cornell is probably more of a party school than Williams and the Greek life there is huge (though apparently it’s declining). Williams has no frats/sororities, though binge drinking does happen on a regular basis there as well.</p>
<p>Did you apply for financial aid? If so, I’d wait for that too.</p>
<p>I got into both schools, and I personally would choose Williams over Cornell in a heartbeat.</p>
<p>I am an international facing the same dilemma but am still leaning toward Williams. However, my choice has been much clearer now since Cornell is not giving me any aid AT ALL. How is the prospect of internationals receiving huge FA from Williams this year? Anybody can give me some insights?
The website of W says that W is committed to meeting 100% need for all accepted students. Does your experience support this statement?</p>
<p>Williams. People don’t usually associate Cornell with the words, “cohesive”, “unified” or “friendly and supportive”. Just sayin…</p>
<p>My son is an 07 Williams graduate and is now at Cornell for graduate school. There is a lot of overlap between type of students that each attract: social, extroverted, outdoorsy. </p>
<p>I’d say the the major distinction is the most obvious – big vs small. The teaching styles are different and the social life is different. Which is better? That really depends on you.</p>
<p>Williams has a well oiled bureaucracy whereas Cornell is a tangle of redtape. Like all big universities you have to be a squeaky wheel. At small LACs you get more personal attention.</p>
<p>Along with size, comes reputation. Williams is well known and well respected among people who matter (like employers or graduate school admissions) but it is definitely not in the same league (ivy or otherwise) in name recognition as Cornell.</p>
<p>I’m not sure what you mean by the “quarter system.” Williams has two semesters plus Winter Study which is more or less a fun period in January. My son stayed on campus for all four Januaries (after the first year you don’t have to) and considered this as one of the highlights of Williams.</p>