Cornell University

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.

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.

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

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!

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.