I think these schools are equals academically, but here we have the classic “U vs. LAC” comparison.
- Cornell offers more majors and courses from which to choose (just don’t try switching to a Dyson major)
- Cornell is larger
- Cornell will have larger survey-level classes (100 and maybe 200-level courses), but once you get into your major, or upper-level electives, you’ll be in mainly small classes. U’s “catch up” to LACs in that manner.
- Personal attention from, and interaction with, profs will likely be a bit easier at Bowdoin
Those are the usual LAC/U differences, and they are at play here.
Now, more specific differences:
- The towns: Ithaca vs. Brunswick
- Curricular differences/majors
- Campus vibe/sports/social
Both are great. Choose according to preferences, and you’ll choose correctly.