i’m mostly talking about STEM courses 
but of course, I may be wrong.
Cornell used to be known as the “easiest IVY to get in, but the hardest to stay at” … the ease of getting in is not the case anymore - they are all impossible … but the difficulty of staying is still true - ESPECIALLY in STEM
I’m not talking about the difficulty to stay in this school…it’s basically difficult to graduate with a stem degree from every college…the engineering/stem program at Cornell still cannot be compared with Duke’s. (no offense I’m just trying to compare these schools. and among these three schools, Cornell is actually the easiest to get into for students in my country, statistically speaking). btw are u an alumni or current student?
" the engineering/stem program at still cannot be compared with Duke’s"
you are joking, right?
Yes, I am an alum … and your statement cannot be farther from the truth.
Good luck in Durham.
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That’s right. Cornell’s engineering program is way stronger than Duke’s.
And anyone that doesn’t think there is school spirit at Cornell hasn’t been to a hockey game.
- Proud Big Red Alum
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I really can’t tell? I’m sorry I really don’t have much info on that…mostly hearsay…I asked this kind of question on Reddit a lot and people told me that. Any insights?
oops Cornell alums are all here to attack me (just kidding) I’m just an ignorant international student looking for info so pls feel free to share your insights!!!
I’m thinking of EDing Vandy but thanks for the GL
God…then why does everyone tell me that Duke is ranked super high for Engineering and CS?? I feel betrayed now because I saw the latest ranking…yep you’re def right, cornell is ranked really high.
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I feel betrayed now because I saw the latest ranking…yep you’re def right, Cornell is ranked really high. I take my words back
The good news is you are figuring this out now and have time to do real research. It is not the best practice to make decisions based on rumor and what “everyone tells you”.
Do some research and come back with questions so posters can help you find the fit that works for you. Good luck!
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Duke is a great school for both Engineering and CS.
When selecting btw those schools it’s not about how they are ranked - at that level it really doesn’t matter.
But it’s about FIT - how you se yourself at either school.
But as far as ED-ing - where you have a higher chance of getting in …
Do the research on INTL ED admission rates … at all of those schools …
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Thanks! I’ve learned my lessons and I’ll make sure to think and do more research before I type!
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Thank you! I’ll make sure to do more research before I type…But again, I’m really sorry if I offended Cornell or you.
I can’t offer you a great answer because I only just got admitted to Vanderbilt; however, the professors and students all seem very kind. In fact, I have already had multiple opportunities to connect with both professors and students, and I have to say that the small student body is already showing to be a positive.
In regards to prestige and name brand, I believe Duke and Cornell are more prestigious than Vanderbilt and Duke is more prestigious than Cornell (at least in the US… I believe Cornell may have a bigger name internationally). If I was you, I would do more research on the type of environment you want. If you want a small and prestigious school, Duke would be my recommendation. Cornell does, however, have numerous benefits that small schools don’t offer (more clubs, possibly more research opportunities available, etc.) that you may want to consider. I would still go Duke though if I had a choice. Also, you may want to consider where you have the best chance of getting into. Vanderbilt is less selective than Cornell and Duke. Good luck.
Edit: If you are doing CS or Business then Cornell is better than both Duke and Vanderbilt. Still go for fit though. All three schools are fantastic.
Thank you! And congrats on your acceptance! I’ll just follow my heart now (ranks are just meaningless at this point). I prefer a warmer environment and a smaller student body size but I’m too scared to decide where I want to ED based on that (I guess I have been brainwashed of the importance of prestige so badly that I’m still holding onto some schools from my school list). Anyways, I’m sure you’ll do great at Vanderbilt!
Thank you for the well wishes!
I totally understand where you are coming from. I personally could not decide on a school to ED to and went with RD. Also, I understand the desire for prestige. I had wanted an Ivy League so much that I was pretty unhappy with Vanderbilt for some time (which was dumb because Vanderbilt is a really great school and comparable to Ivy Leagues in regards to the education and opportunities offered); however, after reflection, I think that it is more important to consider what one ends up accomplishing than what school one ends up attending. From what I’ve seen, all schools offer unique experiences and amazing opportunities. It really depends on the individual student to reach out and grab what is available to them. I am sure you will attend a school you end up loving no matter what that institution is. If I have one piece of advice I would say to really consider where YOU would be the most successful. The most prestigious school is not always the best place for every student. Some students would do better at a more intimate environment like Dartmouth than a larger school like Harvard. Really consider what type of student you are and what you want in a school. I wish you the best of luck!
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What??? Maybe in football…but in basketball, they are quite good: Vanderbilt Commodores men's basketball - Wikipedia
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