<p>Academically, I think they’re approximately equally “strong” - any difference there may be in the quality of teaching is dwarfed by the difference in atmosphere (both inside and outside of academics). Brown is veeery big on academic flexibility (no required courses by the university, and you can take any class pass/fail). The vibe of the place, whilst not as hippy-ish as its reputation might suggest, is still very liberal/hipsterish - lots of vegans, student activists etc. I’m told (by a friend who’s at Brown) that there’s quite a lot of drug culture (weed/adderall), but I wouldn’t let that make your decision. Brown is wonderful, and truly unique - whilst its academics might be on a par with Cornell etc, I can honestly imagine some people turning down HYP for it. In that way, it punches well above its weight. The one thing that put me off was that it’s (superficially) quite similar to my high school, so it wouldn’t have felt like such a fresh start. That’s just me, though.</p>
<p>I’ve never visited Cornell, but I’m told the atmosphere there is very “work hard, party hard”. I’m told the student body is very “driven”, which I don’t like much (part of why I didn’t apply). The flipside of that is, of course, that it might challenge you more academically, particularly if you’re the type who thrives on competition. Greek life is very big there (unlike Brown), which could be a positive or a negative, I suppose. Along with that, quite a bit of drinking culture, too.</p>
<p>I’ve been rambling, and I wouldn’t take my thoughts too seriously - after all, I’m just another applicant, and I haven’t even visited Cornell. Whatever you do, though, make sure you’re doing it for YOU. I know that’s a clichee, but (like most clichees) it contains a grain of truth. These are both incredible colleges, and I’m sure you, and your family, will be proud no matter which you decide to attend.</p>
<p>I’m from England (and fairly desparate to get away, as you can probably tell!) - how about you?</p>