Reviews

With the exorbitant amount of majors offered, it is extremely easy to find your niche at Cornell. As an engineer, I was worried about immediately being funneled into classes filled to the brim with only math and science majors and engineers. I was pleasantly surprised to find that they offer all classes to all students. Therefore, if you come into Cornell with some AP or IB credits, it opens up a world of options from culinary classes with the Hotelies to MatLab with the engineers.

At Cornell, there are a plethora of ingenious kids who tend to find a compromise between their social life and the rigorous academic life. Most everyone is extremely down to earth and approachable making the student body appear smaller and more close knit than it actually is. The food is pretty good, but the students are what really makes Cornell so enjoyable.

Although Cornell's original price tag seems excessively high, they have a very good financial aid program. Not only that, but after leaving Cornell, you will have many ins with other very smart Ivy League students who are well versed in finding jobs and making money. So, although it may cost a lot to attend, it will truly pay off after you leave the campus.

Be yourself from the very first day. Cornell has enough students that you will blend in whether partying every day of the week is your thing or playing board games and having laundry parties is your Friday night plan of choice. Walk in knowing that there are many students smarter than you, but you also can compete with the best. Not to mention, you want smarter kids such that you will feel empowered to work your hardest to get the success you deserve.

Honestly, Cornell is great for just about every student that is willing to work as hard as possible and be open to helping others. Although competition does play a part at Cornell, the student body is much more likely to help you figure out a question that steal your homework the night it is due.

Classes are hard, but if you manage your time wisely, you'll be able to handle your courseload. That being said, don't expect anyone to hold your hand or bail you out of a tough academic situation. Students are expected to take it upon themselves to look for help with their work, whether it's by going to a professor's office hours or using any one of the many other resources available for students.

Because it's such a large school, it will be easy for most people to find people they enjoy spending time with. It may take time to find, but there is something and someone for everyone at Cornell.

Cornell's costs are up there with the other schools of its caliber. However, a student can expect strong academics, good support services, very good food, and an overall excellent college experience when they invest in going to college. Cornell awards financial aid to most applicants for it as well.

Cornell looks for students who have made the best effort, given their circumstances, to investigate the field of study they are interested in. Show that in your essay for the Common App supplement, and you'll surely impress whomever reads your application. The rest is pretty much the same as what any highly selective college would expect: good grades, challenging high school classes, and strong commitment to an extracurricular activity.

If you are driven and have a pretty good idea of what you want to do academically in college, Cornell may be good fit. The people here work hard and play hard, so if you're comfortable with that, then you'll enjoy it. Being such a large university, Cornell has all types of people from all walks of life, so most students will find their niche as they grow accustomed to college life.

At Cornell, there is just endless learning. You can feel it just walking around campus. All the people there just seem so focused.

It's a great campus! There's so much to see and do, and it's not ordinary at all. It's scenic, rustic, and modern all rolled into one. And the people there are so nice!

The tuition may be high, but their financial aid is super generous! Plus, it is an Ivy League education, which will more than pay for itself tenfold after you graduate.

It's really hard to get in. You really need to have some assets that make you stand out from everyone else. They have an 18% acceptance rate, which is relatively high for an Ivy, but you don't expect it to be that low until you've been denied. However, I know so many people who applied to all of these big name schools - lots of Ivies and such - and then they didn't get into any! I knew one girl who was really academically sound and had a great resume and both of her parents had gone to Northwestern and she ended up not getting in there! It just goes to show you that you can't expect anything. And then she made the mistake of only having back-up schools after that, so she got stuck going to OSU - not that I have anything against OSU, because it really is a great place, but compared to an Ivy or a big name school, it was a big let down. So my advice would be to make sure you apply to an intermediate school you're sure you'll get into and you'd be perfectly fine with going there. It's not insanely difficult to get into, and it's not a back-up. Like if I hadn't gotten into Cornell, I would've gone to Case Western Reserve or University of Rochester before I would've had to resort to my back-ups. And I would've been so fine with going to Case - that was actually my first choice for the longest time. But then Cornell came into play and I just couldn't pass up that opportunity. All I'm saying is be realistic and don't put yourself into a position where you could get screwed over for college.

-People who enjoy food - I highly recommend trying their turkey burgers!!! -People who are smart and like being surrounded by other smart people. -And people who are emotionally stable - I believe it's the Ivy with the highest suicide rate, so you best be good under lots of pressure...

There are hundreds of diverse classes for you to take. Since I'm in the College of Arts & Sciences, I have a lot of academic freedom in putting together a schedule. You can take run-of-the-mill classes like Calculus and Biology, but there are also lots of strange and exciting classes like Dinosaurs! and Alien Empire: Bizarre Biology of Bugs. The wide array of classes available mean you get to pick classes that you enjoy while at the same time filling degree requirements. Because you're taking classes you enjoy, you're much more motivated to learn!

The campus is beyond beautiful. There are nature trails aplenty to walk on if you're feeling the stress of school. There's a lake called Beebe Lake right in the center of campus with a beautiful, quiet trail around it. I've found that taking a walk around the lake after a stressful day of school makes me feel much better. Besides nature, the school is very easy to acclimate too. There are over 800 clubs so finding a niche for yourself is much easier than at a smaller liberal arts school. Cornell has a very accepting environment and people from all backgrounds are welcome here. I have never felt more at home at a school!

Cornell offers a lot of resources that many schools don't have. There are extensive research opportunities for both science majors and those in the humanities. The dining halls are FANTASTIC because they are all-you-care-to-eat and they're filled with delicious food. Tuition is a bit steep, but Cornell's financial aid is very good so people of all incomes can afford to come here! The only reason I don't give it 5 stars is because they do tend to nickel and dime you (you have to pay for laundry! ridiculous, I know).

Include very Cornell-specific things in your essay. When the admissions officers read your essays, they want to know that you've done your research and Cornell has opportunities that you could not get anywhere else. The essay is extremely important! I didn't have a perfect GPA or test scores but I was accepted because I wrote a great essay. Also, don't discourage yourself! Cornell may be an Ivy League school, but everyone has a chance of getting in.

Once you do get here, here are some helpful tips:
1. Learn the bus schedules! You're going to want to take the bus once it starts snowing.
2. Bring lots of warm clothing. Seriously.
3. You probably don't need an unlimited meal plan so don't splurge on it because it is more expensive!

Cornell is a very social environment. We have fraternities for people who wish to get involved with Greek life as well as over 800 student organizations for those looking for something new. If you enjoy socializing, this is the place for you! Cornell is also one of the top research universities in the world. If you want to get some undergraduate research on your resume, then Cornell would make it easier to do so! Plus, you'd be working with experts in their respective fields. Personally, I think Cornell is a school for everyone. If you're not a big party person, you'll still feel right at home in one of the many gorgeous libraries (like the A.D. White library, seriously, Google it because it's beautiful). Social butterflies would definitely fit in perfectly here. I believe Cornell is amazing for virtually anyone.

People at Cornell are some of the most passionate, intelligent, interesting people I've ever met. The environment is far more collaborative and engaging than it is competitive or negatively stressful, and the academics are well-balanced with extracurricular and social opportunities. There are a few of the preppy kids, but most are very relaxed and friendly, far from the cliques and drama of high school.

Cornell likes well-rounded people. It's important to have strong academics, but show that you have interests and are passionate about something. I would definitely recommend visiting the campus, as it gave me a great impression of what the community of people there is like.

The amount of stress you will be under is largely subjective, and relies greatly on your courses. I know people who are at the library even on a Friday night, and I know people who are out partying all weekend. Most assignments are on a weekly basis, so as long as you manage your time, there's plenty of room to get everything done.

I live in one of the older dorms and still love it. How much you will enjoy your dorm depends far more on who you're living with than the building itself.

Cornell's food is great. There's a lot of good vegetarian options and everything is clearly labeled with major allergens and if it's vegetarian/vegan. There's only been a couple side dishes I've ever run into that weren't very good, but generally I've been extremely impressed.

Greek life exists without being the only option (I think Cornell is about 30% Greek), so you'll be totally fine whether or not you want to join. That being said, there are frat parties on the weekends, but plenty of people don't really go out if that's not your thing. There's also the Cornell Cinema, and the Johnson Museum on campus has a lot of events. There's an observatory only a few minutes walk from North Campus (where the freshman dorms are), there are usually events around holidays with performances from student groups, and there are plenty of clubs to join.

Not going to sugarcoat it: Cornell is really expensive, and they continue to nickel-and-dime you after you get there. They have really good financial aid, and will meet demonstrated need. But unlike a lot of schools, there's no free printing, gym passes, or buses (first-year students do get free bus passes, but after that you'll want to buy one). Not necessarily a deal-breaker, but something to think about.

As a freshman, I haven't yet experienced Slope Day, but from what I've heard it's basically a huge party on the campus's biggest hill at the end of the year and it's supposed to be great. The Slope also offers an amazing view of Ithaca and the hills surrounding it. There are also bridges that let you walk over gorges and waterfalls. Campus is absolutely beautiful, and there are tons of amazing places and views.

If you want to get in and do well here, you have to be really driven with your academics. Basically, this is the place for the nerds, and I mean that in the best way. My friends have periodic table mugs and math clocks in their dorm rooms, and it's great.

There's an overwhelming amount of stuff out there as soon as you start looking for it. There are lots of options for anyone who wants to join something religiously affiliated as well as a lot of service clubs, but there's also an insect club and I'm in the ukulele club. We also have a ridiculous number of a Capella teams.

It exists, but it's not like you'll feel left out for not joining. Plenty of people do and plenty don't.

I've never felt unsafe on campus. I'm a girl and I can walk alone at night here without feeling worried. Everything is very well-lit and there's also a blue-light system for emergencies.

Cornell University is an unparalleled college, filled with opportunities. Currently, I am in the Arts and Sciences College and though I wish to aspire to be a doctor, I am given the chance to study Latin and Ancient Civilization as a minor and to explore studies that interest me although it's not within my Pre-Med curriculum. Not only is the Arts and Sciences College full of a wide array of studies, the other colleges allow students to range in future careers from hotel administration to agricultural development.

Don't go into the school with one set idea in mind as to what you want to study. So many students change their minds within the first year as to what they want to do.

Though it is considered one of the easier Ivys to get into, it is definitely the hardest to attain high grades. Not only is the content difficult and voluminous, the grades are curved down, making it harder to attain a high GPA.

The dorm life is livable however the buildings range in quality. So when you don't get a choice as to which building you want, it is unfair to those that don't get a study lounge or pool table.

Wide array of foods and offers many dietary options.

There are may clubs to find on campus that you are guaranteed to find at least one that catches your eye.

Cornell offers great financial aid and the classes offered are worth tuition.

Collegetown is a great place to go an relax and to find lots of restaurants that differ to have a meal from different countries every night. There are also great clubs and bars to have a good time.

Great for all students.

College Fest is an annual event that displays all of the clubs that are on campus. Every club is welcoming and there is a club for everyone on campus, either for professional reasons or for hobbies.

Many fraternities and sororities on campus that create familial environments.

There is a constant alert system on campus that informs students of perpetrators and there is a Blue Light System that calls the campus police immediately to come pick you up if you feel uneasy to walk back to your dorm alone.

You can literally take a class on anything, and all are great classes. Because you can take a class in any of the colleges, you can completely explore your interests. Or you can focus on one thing and get a great education in it. People know that if you went to Cornell, you actually learned something.

I now know so many awesome people. You meet a lot of work hard party hard people. They get their work done, and then go crazy. Everyone is really nice, I have yet to meet someone I really disliked.

It is true that Cornell nickel and dimes you for everything, such as printing and laundry, but paying as much as you are on school, it doesn't make that much of a difference. You're going to be spending money where ever you go, so you might as well spend it at a place that will really pay off. Plus, financial aid here is really good.

During orientation week, say hello to as many people as possible (it's not weird then), sign up for some club at Clubfest because that is a great way to meet people, and leave your door open in your hall, because it is really awesome to make friends with the people in your dorm because you can hang out whenever you want.

As far as getting in here, just do your best in school and promote yourself to the best of your abilities on your aplication.

Hard working, like to have fun, involved; actually screw this, it's good for everybody

Cornell University has a large campus that feels small and intimate. The resources provided to students are unparalleled, as there are research opportunities and classes that allow students to meet professors who are leaders in their fields of work. I consider myself lucky to call this place home, and I have met and been inspired by people from all over the world who are passionate and hardworking.

Make sure to truly assess who you are and what you want from your education before sending in your applications! In my experience I applied to 11 schools, and ended up realizing that I should have put quality over quantity. Narrow down your choices to a few schools, and in all of your applications, especially Cornell's, make sure you make yourself stand out. How are you different than all of the other prospective students? In your essays write about what you are passionate about - this will help you in the writing process and make you stand out to the reviewing committee.

Cornell is challenging and the workload can get overwhelming at times, but there are tons of people that you can reach out to if you ever feel like you need help. Specifically, your academic advisor is a very helpful resource. I've gone to my advisor at times when I feel that I could use advice on scheduling, handling classes and work, and even working out what I want to do with my academic career in the next few years I attend Cornell. Also, although some classes may be hard, forming study groups helps tremendously!

Dorm life is very social and supportive at Cornell. I have experienced hall mates become almost like family members as people in pods, in the same hall, or on the same floor will make a point to eat dinner together every night or go to social activities together. I highly suggest keeping your door open during the first few weeks. It is a great way to meet new people that pop in to say hello.
In my experience I have lived in Balch Hall, the all-women's residence hall on North Campus. It has a friendly atmosphere, is very clean, and is known for having large rooms!

Cornell is known to have some of the best dining options. They always have a diverse spread of food in the dining halls. Unfortunately, I and those like me with food allergies seem to struggle with finding different things to eat. There is always the option to file with student disabilities, but I did not deem my allergies severe enough to do so. Unfortunately I now find myself eating the same things every day. If you have an allergy, I highly suggest talking to the chefs or filing with student disabilities! There is information that you can find online about how to do this.

There is always something fun going on around campus! Cornell is unique in that it is located around some fantastic hiking trails that lead you past gorges, waterfalls, and other gorgeous places that nature has to offer. There are also many clubs on campus for any interest, ranging from Dance Dance Revolution Club to the Cornell Astronomical Society. Finally, stay up to date on events happening in Ithaca Commons, because a short bus ride can take you to interact with local Ithaca community members at events like Apple Fest or Porch Fest!

Although Cornell is expensive, the school is very accommodating when it comes to financial aid in most cases. Depending on your financial background, the school will do its best to help you attend. Unfortunately, you have to pay for laundry, a gym membership, and parking, among other things.

For unusual traditions, see the 161 Things to do at Cornell! These include anything from climbing the 161 stairs to the top of McGraw Tower to throwing fish on the ice at the Cornell-Harvard mens hockey game! For an unusual location, check out the suspension bridge on campus. With a little exploring, there are tons of places that you will discover that are perfect for lounging around, studying, or eating!

Students who are passionate and ready to learn! Also those who are looking to step out of their comfort zones and expand boundaries, experience new things, and test limits. Being brave will get you so many places!

There are over 1000 student organizations on campus, and although I am sure you've heard this many times already, there really are clubs for every interest! At ClubFest you will find hundreds of tables set up with people trying to get you to sign their email lists, and if you have even the slightest interest, I suggest signing up. The worst that will happen is that you will receive many emails from tons of clubs, but it may be worth it when one email catches your eye! Many of these clubs hold activities like skating at Lynah Rink or potlucks.

Greek life is very dominant on campus, and there are a large number of diverse houses. Sororities and fraternities are always holding fundraisers or formals. Rush week in January is said to be an unforgettable experience!

I have never felt unsafe walking around campus. Cornell takes safety very seriously and sends out frequent emails from campus safety with reminders and updates. There are blue lights posted all around campus (it is said that you should always be able to see one blue light wherever you go on campus), and these lights give you access to emergency services or escorts if you ever feel unsafe. As with all places, walking with a buddy is always a good idea at night.

Cornell is a wonderful institution with a beautiful campus complete with rivers and waterfalls. The five years I spent there were academically challenging, socially rewarding, and an unforgettable experience. I would not trade my undergraduate career at Cornell for any other institution.

1) Make sure you have some longstanding extracurricular activities (nonacademic ones especially) to put on your application it really sets you apart from the crowd. During the 5 years I spent there I never met anyone who didn't do an extracurricular activity during high school

2) If you have the opportunity to do so, visit the campus. It is really important that you know where you are going to be spending 75% of the next 4-5 years of your life. Whatever college you choose should make you feel at home.

3) When writing you college application essay speak about something you're passionate about, speak truthfully, and from your heart it will catch administrators' attention.

4) Go into your freshman year expecting the worst as far as academic rigor, this way you will not be caught off-guard. Do not underestimate the difficulty of your classes

It would be a disservice to the Cappex community if I said that Cornell will be easy. I was in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program in high school and while it prepared me a little bit for the lower level courses I took during my freshman and sophomore year, the classes were still very challenging especially if you are taking a science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) class. Most STEM classes are curved, so your performance in the class is based on how you did in relation to everyone else in the class. You can always unwind in one of Cornell's 150+ PE classes if you have time, I personally recommend the archery or martial arts classes taught by Kevin Seaman. The academic journey at Cornell may be difficult, but it is certainly worth it in the end because it will prepare you for your future endeavors whether it be graduate school or employment. Luckily, your finals period are stretched out over 2 weeks with no classes during that time.

Some of the dorms may be a little old (i.e. 1960s and 1970s), however they still have a very cozy feeling to them. Some of the older buildings do not have air conditioning in the rooms, but the weather in Ithaca, NY only requires you use it 3-5 weeks out of the academic year (unless you stay for the summer). As a freshman, you are guaranteed housing in the dormitories and you will be placed in North Campus with other freshman, facilitating the social experience. After your freshman year, you have the option to move into the West Campus or Collegetown housing system with more modern dorms if you choose to where the dorm life is similar aside from the possibility that there is a lower turnout at dorm events due to a busier academic life. The housing office gives plenty of money to the dorms to sponsor a variety of events such as barbecues, movie nights, trips to New York City and Niagara Falls, and many more at a free or discounted price.

Cornell Dining food is delicious, I've had food at other universities and none of them compare to the level of Cornell dining. I guess having a culinary school on campus helps. The food is the closest thing to a home-cooked meal you can get without going to an expensive restaurant or going home. The meal plans can be a little pricey compared to buying and cooking your own food, but as long as you use it (don't skip meals) it's worth every penny. The best thing that Cornell consistently does is their ice cream which they make on campus. Be careful though, it's called the Freshman 15 for a reason.

For fun, there is always something to do on campus except during study period and finals week. If you join a club or two and keep your eyes open for flyers finding something to do will be easy. Word of mouth always works too. As far as off-campus goes, Ithaca is one of those towns that would not exist if not for the universities that reside there, but there are a couple things you can do. In October, the city hosts a weekend-long apple festival where many local vendors come out to showcase many edible goodies for sale such as apple cider, funnel cake, caramel apples, and much more. The apple cider donuts are to die for. In February, you can warm up to Ithaca's Chili Festival. There are also tons of restaurants in Collegetown and the Commons that serve a diverse cuisine (this is how I first tried Indian food). If this isn't enough for you, there is a list of 161 things Every Cornellian Should do. If you start running out of stuff to do, refer to this list.
http://cornellsun.com/blog/2005/02/27/big-red-ambition-161-things-every-cornellian-should-do/

I was always comfortable with knowing my money was being well spent. Due to the funding Cornell gave to one of my clubs, I was able to go to conferences in Nashville, St. Louis, Indianapolis, and Pittsburgh, paying less than $150 each time. I also took advantage of a lot of free services such career services, transcript orders, bus pass and more than I can count. Also, if you are from a warm climate (e.g. California, Texas, Florida, etc.) the financial aid office will reimburse you up to $500 for your winter clothing if you submit a budget increase form. As far as post graduation, Cornell really helped me get into a PhD program in Mechanical Engineering even though my grades were not that high.

1) Cornell has a small lake between North and Central Campus along with many gorges and rivers.
2) There is also a botanical garden and arboretum that is part of the campus that is very beautiful during the spring and summer.
3) The biggest celebration at Cornell is called Slope Day where everyone gathers on Libe Slope after the last day of classes for a massive concert with guests such as Ludacris, Kendrick Lamar and many more. Not to mention great food.

Adventurous, enjoy a challenge, not opposed to a lot of walking (Cornell has a very large campus), strong willed, nature lovers, down-to-earth

Let me put it this way: if you have an interest in it, there is most likely a club for it. Cornell has a lot of clubs and organizations on-campus including professional societies, intramural sports, community service groups, martial arts clubs, religious organizations, and performing groups just to name a few. Most of these clubs are well funded so they are able to do almost whatever they want/need to do.

The campus is pretty safe as well as the surrounding area. Violent crimes are really rare, however, the most reported crime is forcible touching and crimes of a similar nature. Even then these crimes occur slightly off-campus. It is unlikely that something will happen to you while you're walking at night, but it is always a good rule of thumb regardless of where you are not to walk alone at night. This campus is equipped with the Blue Light systems so the police are just a phone call away.

Diversity is on grand display and you will meet people from all over the world. While eavesdropping I could hear conversations ranging from the team's hockey score and where to eat, to dark matter and theoretical physics. People are super smart but know how to relax and have fun. Everyone from all walks of life seem to fit in seamlessly.

Definitely visit. For me it was a long way coming from NC, but you can only get so much from online and reading sites like these. I was pretty sure I wanted to go to Cornell before visiting, but it wasn't my first choice. After visiting it moved right to the top - and it wasn't even close. Also, while visiting, don't just do the info session and tour. Line up an appointment with a professor or dean in your major. Come prepared with questions so you're not wasting their time. I did this and it really helped me when I was crafting my supplemental essay on my application. I was able to name names and locations. The admissions committee can tell when you've been on campus and really investigated versus just skimming a few websites and writing a generic response. It's worth the time and effort - so go to Ithaca as soon as possible.

Everything I have heard suggests it will be tough and time management will be a necessary skill. But in the end it will be worth it.

The dorms I saw were all average and some were pretty dated and small, but having not lived there yet, I can't really offer more than that.

The food was good. I ate at one small cafe and one large dining hall. Both had healthy choices and junk food and they tasted fine. I can see where it might get repetitive after a while and I'll want to venture to a real restaurant on occasion. Coming from the south I am seriously going to miss Chick-fil-A because Ithaca doesn't have any.