Amherst vs Cornell (also just an Amherst overview)

RileyJohn · 10-23-2009, 02:16 AM

I'm torn between these two schools. Originally, I was set on Cornell, but now I'm really liking what I see about Amherst.

How is the food/dorms at Amherst?
Academically how would you compare it to Cornell? I know Cornell has the "Ivy" name, but I don't think that matters.

I'm trying to transfer from a community college, I know Amherst is community college friendly? Correct?

Any input would be great, thanks

'rentof2 · 10-23-2009, 07:29 PM

The dorms are (mostly) quite nice. The food ... not so much.

Here's some info for community college transfers: https://www.amherst.edu/admission/ap...ity_collegeapp

It's a wonderful school. I can't speak to Cornell directly, but Amherst is much smaller and is excellent academically.

PKWsurf21 · 10-23-2009, 08:53 PM

I was in a similar positions, deciding between Amherst and Cornell. I'm sure I would have been happy at either one but I ended up choosing Amherst. I love the professors here. They really are here because they love to teach. The food is eh... I have friends at Cornell who seem to like it a lot also but for me, this small school was a very good fit. The students here are extremely friendly to everyone. People you don't even know will say hi to you on your way to class in the morning. Academically, both schools are fantastic, although I thought Amherst was a bit more intellectual, which is why I chose it. Good Luck with your decision.

Arken233 · 10-23-2009, 10:42 PM

I'm trying to make a similar decision. Some thoughts to consider:

Amherst is harder to get into than Cornell
Amherst has smaller class rooms with great professors..Cornell has huge huge classes with lots of TA's.....
Amherst has a great name in the northeast, and those in the know that it is one of the hardest schools to get into in the country.

Maybe Cornell's name is more known, but the level of education you will receive at Amherst cannot be matched anywhere. Maybe Williams? But in my opinion, Amherst completely trumps Cornell.

Also Cornell's suicide rate is high
AND its in the middle of nowhere.
AND its ultra-competetive

RileyJohn · 10-24-2009, 12:06 AM

haha! sounds like you've made your decision...

mythmom · 10-24-2009, 12:10 AM

It's a false rumor that Cornell's suicide rate is high. By all means, prefer Amherst but because of Amherst, not because of Cornell. It's not necessary to run down Cornell to celebrate Amherst.