sweetnsarah

My friend is trying to decide between Cornell and GA Tech for Engineering. Both are ranked fairly well, but I think she should pick GA Tech just because there are so many opportunities in Atlanta. However, basically everyone she asks is split between Cornell and GATech, and she has no idea what to do. What do you all think?

arjuninthehouse

Cornell is very good for Engineering. Its the best engineering ivy.
But it depends also on ur friends major.

sweetnsarah

Just because it's Ivy though, doesn't mean it's the best she can get. I'll ask what she wants to major in.

sweetnsarah

She said she would like to study mechanical engineering. So, why should she pick one over the other? Anyone?

towerpumpkin

Quality of life. Would she be more happy here in Ithaca where there's a vibrant social scene or in a big city like Atlanta? I have friends at Georgia Tech and from what I've seen, I'd rather be here in Ithaca. It all depends on fit, however.

Also, I know that the quality of students is higher (academically) here than at Tech. That may be good or bad depending on the person.

What about financial aid? Cornell full price probably isn't worth it if your friend can go to Tech for free, for example.

arjuninthehouse

US News rates GA Tech higher for Mechanical i think.
But Cornell's a better package.By that i mean the ppl u study with..the non-technical courses u can take...

dsmo

Georgia Tech is incredible for mechanical engineering.

Assuming she gets no financial aid, Georgia Tech would be the way to go if she lives in Georgia. If you are out of state or incredibly rich, I would go to Cornell.

It isn't really worth it to take out $50,000+ in loans for an engineering undergrad degree. If she made it into Cornell undergrad, she will probably do fine at GT. If she does fine at GT, she'll have a great shot at Cornell for grad school, where it really counts.

/From someone who came to grips with reality and Choose Michigan debt-free over Cornell and $100,000 in loans.