Cornell vs Claremont McKenna

nostalgicwisdom
Sun, 04 May 2014 08:45:41 +0000

I would chose Claremont McKenna for its strong undergraduate programs (especially in what you want to study), stellar residential life, happy students, venturesome location, and sunny weather. CMC’s reputation is accelerating at a rapid level. In the 60 or so years that it has been established, CMC is now the most selective LAC by admission rate, and their graduates rank among the highest for average income according to PayScale. In a 2003 study for graduate school placement, CMC was the 8th best LAC for placement to the top programs (InPathWays - Discover latest hot new trending topic, insights, analysis), and higher than Cornell. Though that shouldn’t be seen as Cornell being a worse place, but rather that CMC will open similar doors to elite places for you.

CMC’s offerings, both academically and experiential, are greatly expanded by the Claremont Consortium, which bring the course offerings to 2500, the dining halls to 7, the student body to 7000, and countless events all within a 10 minute walk from CMC. This isn’t just a simple large university vs. small LAC debate; CMC and the other Claremont Colleges have a more balanced vibe.

That being said, the schools are very different. Location is perhaps the most interesting difference, but there are others. Cornell will be more recognized in the public, and probably also among elite circles (though, again- CMC graduates are doing phenomenally). Cornell has a bunch of academic offerings that the 5C’s will not have, so that is worth investigating. Cornell also has Greek Life. CMC has a liberal arts experience and education; this is evident in the faculty relationships and classroom experiences that CMC students are extremely proud of, and that Cornell is not really known for.

Both top choices! Best of luck with your decision! But don’t forget this ;)