<p>I know this same question is on about 3 message boards now, but I want to get as much advice as I can. :)</p>
<p>So I am in a dilemma. I just got accepted to Cornell, and for the past few years, Cornell has been my dream school.</p>
<p>However, I got an incredible offer from Michigan State. Before you laugh, I'm not directly comparing the two schools. MSU offered me a professorial assitantship, allowing me to get one-on-one research with a faculty member from my first day as a freshman, possibly through the College of Veterinary Medicine (I'm pretty sure I want to be a vet). It's also a paid position of almost $2,500 a year. Because I got this offer, tuition has been equalized to in-state (I'm from Ohio). I'm admitted to the Honors College, and would live in an honors dorm. I also got a scholarship to use for study abroad, something I want to do at least once (maybe a semester and then one or two summer programs), and MSU has one of the top 3 study abroad programs in the country. I would probably get a higher GPA at MSU, which would probably make it easier to get into vet school (along with the hundreds of hours in a veterinary setting I would accumulate working on a research project with a veterinarian - required for admission). I would already stand out as a top student (which has its pros and cons).</p>
<p>So, my dilemma stands. Cornell has better academics, obviously a better name and higher prestige. It is a place where everyone is smart and intellectual, and most are motivated - the perfect atmosphere. However, I would be a "typical", average student, probably get a lower GPA, be further into debt, and not get paid a $2,500 salary annually for doing research with a veterinarian. Like I said, I have always dreamed of Cornell - but now MSU's offer has me confused and unsure where to turn.</p>
<p>As a parent, a former pre-vet major who currrently works in the animal industries, and has a son going to Cornell in the fall --</p>
<p>You have two great choices -- but the opportunities offered by Michigan State would really have me leaning in that direction. If you'd be happy with MSU for vet school -- and I don't know why you wouldn't be -- go there.</p>
<p>Also -- you are from Ohio. If you intend to practice in the midwest after vet school -- go MSU. If you want to work in NY -- go Cornell.</p>
<p>[your quote]: So, my dilemma stands. Cornell has better academics, obviously a better name and higher prestige. It is a place where everyone is smart and intellectual, and most are motivated - the perfect atmosphere.</p>
<p>Not so sure I completely agree with this -- better name, higher prestige, okay, better academics in vet medicine? While Cornell's overall rep is higher -- it's an Ivy League school vs. a major State U -- you'd be hard-pressed to find a better vet school than MSU. Also, I know for a fact that not "everyone is smart and intellectual." I know too many Cornellians who most assuredly are not.</p>
<p>You must decide what's right for your situation and, it seems, you're going about it the right way. Cornell, of course is competitive cost-wise since (I'm pretty certain) Veterinary is one of Cornell's NY State subsidized units, so you wouldn't be paying private (as in Ivy), out-of-state tuition. In the end, I think you have what is called a delightful dilemma. Either way, you won't lose.</p>
<p>Well it must be noted - I am going for undergrad not vet school. Secondly, Cornell is consistently ranked #1 for veterinary schools by U.S. News. That being said, MSU is also up there on the list (there are, however, only 28 vet schools in the U.S.).</p>
<p>I have had many people tell me that either way, I can't go wrong, which is wonderful, but also makes the decision between the two harder. :) I plan on going up and spending a couple nights in a dorm at each school at the beginning of April, and hopefully this will be the final tiebreaker.</p>
<p>Congratulations on your acceptances! You are a wise man to go beyond name recognition to thoughtfully consider the strengths and weaknesses of both programs. Last year my son chose the Lyman Briggs program at MSU over entrance to the top-ranked school which I believed would be a better choice. Like you, my son was offered the PA opportunity, the honors college, and an unbeatable financial package. His decision was based on the PA position and the supportive environment of living in the all natural sciences dorm. This has proved to be a perfect environment for my son. His classes and labs are challenging, the honors program permits flexibility, the professorial assistantship gives him early research experience (imagine, you could be published within the first year on campus!), and the dorm life is just what he was after - great comraderie, many study groups, and respect for hard work. Like you, we are from Ohio. One of my son's suitemates hails from just miles from our home. Luck of the draw? No way! This is an example of the small but important considerations offered to my son at MSU. I am proud to be a Spartan mom.</p>
<p>Without doubt, Cornell also will offer you a strong background for your future endeavors. I just ask that you do not strike out MSU simply because it lacks "name."</p>
<p>Good luck on your decision. Let us know your choice!</p>
<p>If you go to MSU and do very well, it won't make much difference in the long run to your career plans. But you've got to be one of their A students (maybe not so hard actually) if you want graduate school or the like.</p>
<p>Cornell will work you hard. But I've lived in East Lansing and visited Ithaca, and I'll generally take Ithaca. And it may pay, both personally and professionally, in the long run to be where the smart kids are. You should have less trouble finding a suitable group of peers who are serious about their work (I think from long-ago observation that this can be a problem for serious kids at MSU). But it may well cost a lot more, as well. Your choice.</p>
<p>If you get along well with the goof-offs in your high school, you may have a great time at MSU. If you're looking for a (somewhat) more serious bunch, it will be easier to find them at Cornell. But you have to balance the costs and advantages. Good luck.</p>