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.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
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.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
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.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
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.
Describe the food and dining at your college.
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.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
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.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
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.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
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.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
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.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
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.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
It exists, but it's not like you'll feel left out for not joining. Plenty of people do and plenty don't.
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
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.
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.