Cornell University is a private research institution in Ithaca, New York. As an Ivy League school, you might be expecting academic excellence and research opportunities. But is Cornell University really a good school?
The short answer is yes. Cornell has diverse programs and resources at your disposal that can help you realize your full academic potential. If you’re considering whether you should try applying for Cornell or not, keep reading. We’ll talk about the pros and cons you may expect as a future Cornellian to help you decide.
- Brief History of Cornell University
- Pros: What Makes Cornell University a Good School
- Cons: Things to Keep in Mind about Cornell University
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Takeaways
Brief History of Cornell University
Cornell University was founded in 1865 by Ezra Cornell and Andrew Dickson White with the radical principle “any person can find instruction in any study.”
Ezra Cornell, a self-taught entrepreneur, provided the land and initial endowment, while Andrew Dickson White, a scholar and educator, became the university’s first president. Their partnership established a non-sectarian, co-educational institution, which was progressive for the time.
As a land-grant university established under the Morrill Act of 1862—which granted federal land to states to fund colleges focused on agriculture and the mechanic arts—two of the university’s first colleges were the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Engineering.
In its more than 150 years, Cornell has claimed many firsts:
- establishing the world’s first undergraduate hospitality degree program in 1922
- inventing the first practical implantable pacemaker in 1958
- creating the first method for sequencing DNA in 1970
Nowadays, Cornell University is a good school that remains committed to its founding principles and the production of generations of scholars, leaders, and innovators.
Pros: What Makes Cornell University a Good School
Cornell University is a good school that offers diverse programs across eight undergraduate colleges and schools. Also, the school meets 100% of your demonstrated need. Below are the specifics on what you can look forward to at Cornell.
1. Academic excellence and diverse programs
Cornell University is an Ivy League school, so its reputation for its academic excellence doesn’t come as a surprise.
The school ranks 11 among national universities and has several highly-ranked programs as well. These include:
- #7 in Computer Science
- #8 in Psychology
- #9 in Business Programs
- #10 in Electrical / Electronic / Communications Engineering
- #11 in Economics and Civil Engineering
Cornell University is also a good school known for its College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, which is at the forefront of research in areas like sustainable agriculture, environmental science, and biotechnology.
It offers around 80 undergraduate majors and more than 120 minors. Cornell University lets you pursue double majors, minors, or research projects that combine different fields.
The school promotes innovation and gives you a truly personalized educational experience, even if you have highly specialized interests. Interacting with students and faculty from different colleges also broadens your perspective, giving you a more holistic understanding of the world.
2. Research opportunities and resources
Cornell is a powerhouse of research. In fact, the university encourages you to participate in research starting from your early college years. This early hands-on experience is especially useful for those who plan to pursue further studies or research-oriented careers.
Cornell University is a good school that offers different types of positions in research that let you be involved in varying capacities. These include:
- Support positions. You won’t be expected to do research. Instead, you’ll be paid by faculty researchers to do support work such as making solutions or cataloguing publications.
- Assistants. As an assistant, you’ll typically be taught one research technique at a time you’ll have to do over and over—whether it’s DNA mini preps or PCR.
- Volunteer positions. If you want to be more involved and see what interests you, then a volunteer position is for you. However, you’ll need to show your commitment, or else you’ll end up looking for a new position.
- Independent projects. If you think you’re ready to work on your own, then consider starting an independent project. Depending on the research you’re doing, you can most likely get academic credit for it.
There are many research opportunities you can take advantage of as well, whether it’s on the Ithaca campus, cross-institutional initiatives, summer opportunities, or at the Weill Medical School in New York.
Moreover, Cornell University is a good school that gives you access to world-class facilities and resources that are helpful for your research and academics. Some notable research centers and labs include:
- Cornell Laboratory for Accelerator-based Sciences and Education (CLASSE). This lab conducts research in accelerator physics, high-energy physics, and X-ray science.
- Cornell Center for Materials Research (CCMR). CCMR supports interdisciplinary research in materials science and engineering.
- Cornell Botanic Gardens. You can think of this as a living laboratory that provides opportunities for research in plant biology, ecology, and conservation.
- Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability. This center promotes interdisciplinary research aimed at finding solutions to urgent sustainability challenges.
Of course, we can’t forget about the Cornell University Library, which is an extensive system that contains millions of volumes, digital resources, archives, and special collections.
3. Diverse student body and extracurriculars
Cornell attracts students from all states and many countries around the world, creating a very diverse student body with different cultures and perspectives. This diversity fosters a dynamic and inclusive campus culture that widens your perspectives.
We’re confident that regardless of your background and interests, you’ll find the group for you. After all, Cornell University is a good school that has more than a thousand student-run clubs and organizations that cater to a wide range of interests, including academic, cultural, political, social, and recreational pursuits.
Love to breakdance? Consider joining the Absolute Zero Break Dance Club. Passionate about first aid? Check out the Cornell American Red Cross Club.
Cornell offers many athletic programs, including Division I sports, club sports, and intramural sports. That means you can dabble in sports regardless of whether you’re a competitive athlete or just looking for a recreational activity.
It’s also worth noting that Cornell University is a good school with a thriving arts scene. For one, Cornell offers many musical opportunities, from the Cornell Symphony Orchestra to many smaller a cappella groups. You can also participate in visual arts programs and workshops.
4. Unique campus and location
Ithaca is a relatively small town set in a backdrop of natural landscape with deep gorges, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests. Cornell itself is integrated into this natural beauty with several gorges running through it, creating breathtaking views and opportunities for outdoor recreation. You can hike, swim, and explore the trails and parks around the campus.
This especially makes Cornell University a good school for academic pursuits, particularly in fields like environmental science, ecology, and geology.
Ithaca offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, shops, and cultural attractions for you to explore. Want to go window shopping? Downtown Ithaca Commons is a pedestrian-friendly area with a variety of boutiques, bookstores, and specialty shops. Meanwhile, the Dewitt Mall is a historic building with shops like antique stores, bookstores like Buffalo Street Books, and other specialty stores.
Want to eat out? Check out these cafes and restaurants:
- Moosewood Restaurant. A vegetarian restaurant that’s known for its innovative and globally inspired cuisine. It’s also famous for its cookbooks.
- Maxie’s Supper Club and Oyster Bar. Offers Southern-inspired cuisine, particularly seafood and oysters, with a lively atmosphere.
- Lincoln Street Diner. A classic American diner that’s popular for its hearty breakfasts and comfort food.
- The Rook. This restaurant provides a more modern and eclectic menu with very flavorful offerings.
- Ithaca Beer Company. A great place to enjoy local craft beer and casual dining.
Ithaca also strongly supports local businesses and sustainable agriculture. Because of that, the Ithaca Farmers Market is a popular destination where you can find fresh produce, artisanal goods, and live music.
5. Generous financial aid
Cornell University is a good school that offers need-based financial aid. This means it gives aid based on a family’s demonstrated ability to pay for college rather than on merit. The school meets 100% of demonstrated need thanks to financial aid packages that can include a combination of:
- Cornell grants and scholarships
- Federal grants
- New York state grants and scholarships
- Scholarships from private external organizations
- Work-study
- Loans
- Veterans education benefits
- Emergency aid
Depending on your program, you may also be eligible for Cornell’s NY State contract college tuition rate or endowed college tuition rate.
The school has policies in place to significantly reduce or even remove student and parent contributions for lower-income families. Cornell University is a good school that’s transparent in its affordability initiatives. For instance, if your total family income is $75,000 a year, you won’t be given a loan offer. Instead, your financial aid package will maximize grant/scholarship aid and offer a work-study award that pays up to $5,000 per academic year.
Cons: Things to Keep in Mind about Cornell University
Cornell University is certainly a good school. However, there are some possible cons you should consider when thinking if it’s the right institution for you.
1. Academic pressure and rigor
As we’ve said earlier, Cornell University is a good school with a reputation for academic excellence. However, their vision of excellence doesn’t even start when you become a Cornell student. With an acceptance rate of 8.4%, you should already be grinding in academics and extracurriculars if you want to stand out among the pool of applicants.
This continues when you get into Cornell, which goes hand-in-hand with a culture of intense academic pressure and rigor. This can also lead to a culture of perfectionism and a fear of failure within students.
The school attracts highly motivated and accomplished students, creating a competitive environment where everyone is striving for excellence. You might feel inspired if you thrive in this kind of environment. However, Cornell University isn’t a good school for you if this is too challenging and overwhelming for you. After all, you may feel pressured to constantly compare yourself to your peers.
The university has what its students call the “Cornell Grind,” which refers to the relentless pursuit of academic success, often at the expense of personal well-being. This can create a culture where you feel pressured to constantly work and achieve, without taking time for rest and relaxation.
To alleviate some of the pressure, you’ll need to learn to prioritize self-care and learn good time management. Build a good support system and don’t be afraid to utilize Cornell’s resources (such as the Counseling & Psychological Services) to help you if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
2. Weather and isolated location
Cornell University is a good school if you want to appreciate natural beauty on a daily basis. However, Ithaca is relatively remote, situated far from major metropolitan areas like New York City, Boston, or Philadelphia. This means you’ll need to account for longer travel times to access big-city amenities, entertainment, and cultural events.
If you’re more used to a more urban environment or have difficulty adjusting to the small-town atmosphere, you might experience feelings of social isolation.
On top of that, Ithaca experiences long and harsh winters, with consistently cold temperatures and heavy snowfall. The area is also prone to “lake effect” snow, which can result in heavy and localized snowfall.
Cornell University probably isn’t a good school if you’re not used to that much cold. You might also be affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that is triggered by changes in seasons. You’ll need to be very prepared for extended periods of cold weather, including having the right winter clothing and gear.
3. Large class sizes (in some cases)
Cornell University is a good school with a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio. However, like many large research institutions, Cornell also faces the challenge of managing class sizes—particularly in introductory courses. In fact, 45% of all classes have more than 20 students.
Having a large class, especially in introductory courses, can be tough since they usually cover foundational material required by a large number of students across different majors. Large classes can create a sense of anonymity, making it hard for students to feel personally connected to the material or the instructor.
Instructors might also have limited time for individual consultations and personalized feedback. This can be challenging if you need extra help or want to have deeper discussions.
Fortunately, Cornell also has teaching assistants (TAs) who can lead discussion sections, grade assignments, and hold their own office hours. They can give more personalized attention to students by answering questions and providing guidance. However, since TAs are typically graduate students, their quality of instruction may differ. They also may not have the same level of expertise as instructors.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Cornell University Ivy League?
Yes, Cornell University is an Ivy League school. It’s one of the eight prestigious private research universities in the northeastern United States known for their long history of academic excellence.
2. What is the Cornell University tuition?
Cornell University tuition for undergraduates can range from $23,028 to $34,190 per semester. It’s also important to remember that rather than just the tuition, you should also consider the cost of attendance, which includes things like books, transportation, and housing.
3. Is Cornell a hard university to get into?
Yes, Cornell is a hard university to get into. It has a very selective admission process with an acceptance rate of only 8.4% for the Class of 2028.
Takeaways
Is Cornell University a good school? Definitely. But asking if it’s the right one for you is a different question altogether.
- Some of the things that make Cornell University a good school are its academic excellence and diverse programs, research opportunities and resources, diverse student body and extracurriculars, unique campus and location, and generous financial aid.
- Some possible disadvantages of attending Cornell are its academic pressure and rigor, weather and isolated location, and potentially large class sizes depending on the course.
- Not sure if Cornell is the right school for you? A college admissions expert can help you consider options that align with your goals.
