<p>Just curious, are you at Cornell for the education or for the degree?</p>
<p>I’m personally here for the education.</p>
<p>It’s kind of annoying as a premed though. I could have gone to an easy school and made way better grades. But I refuse to be miserable and slave away to get an A just to get into med school. I’d rather enjoy my time here, work hard (but not too hard) and get decent grades, and come away educated, rather than just being able to regurgitate my biology textbook. </p>
<p>If it means I don’t get into med school, so be it, I’ve still got a great education.</p>
<p>That’s just kind of my philosophy on it, and my purpose for being here.</p>
<p>Pardon my ignorance (I’m an ED applicant), but does Cornell give a class rank or make it easier (GPA wise) to earn Latin honors since they don’t have the easiness/grade deflation their peers are known for in order to put the GPAs of premeds, prelaws, and grad school applicants in context? Not that it matters for me at this point, I’m just curious.</p>
<p>I would say that adcons at grad schools well recognize the fact the grad deflation maybe occuring not really all that sure though.</p>
<p>Z: Personally I feel the opposite. I know that i could have gone elsewhere with just as good a reputation with grad schools (not the public though), had an easier time workwise and classwise and still have been afforded the same educational quality. Although I feel you might some times have to work harder at other schools you could still receive the same education. I’m here for a piece of paper, and an alumni network. Don’t get me wrong I love it here, its just sometimes I wonder what this is all really for.</p>
<p>Both. I mostly came for the great education, but the value of a Cornell degree did hold some weight in my decision.</p>
<p>I certainly am not trying to discount the value of the degree, as the advantages definitely are there, but for me having the name Cornell on my transcript wasn’t why I came here. Did it play a factor? Damn straight it did. But not my main reason.</p>
<p>I’m here for the degree; the education will be the same no matter where you go (except for a small liberal arts college).</p>
<p>Yes, Cornell does give latin honours; according to the course catalog, a 3.4 and higher will earn you Cum Laude, 3.7 will earn you Magna Cum Laude and 4.0 and higher will earn you Summa Cum Laude. </p>
<p>As well, you can graduate with distinction from some majors by doing research projects.</p>
<p>Well I’d expect Cornell education to be top notch, though the degree is definitely a plus; its probably not as amazing as any of the super top tier schools, but i’m sure there must be something about its education that sets it apart. Anyone? I mean, sure the place looks nice, but that isnt going to have such a big affect on your life.</p>
<p>Cornell education IS top notch. The professors are experienced, dedicated, and engaged in their fields, and they are very accessible if you ever need help in a class or just want to talk. If I’m not mistaken, many of Harvard’s undergrad courses are taught by graduate TAs. Other than some of the writing seminars and discussion sections, your classes here will be taught by distinguished professors who are always ready to help you if you reach out to them. Even though most of my classes as a freshman are large lectures, I’ve been extremely impressed by the quality of education here. I also love that the academic options here are endless, thanks to the college system and the size of the university.</p>
<p>given this binary, I’ll go with education, but I think the word experience is more descriptive of my mindset. I have the experience of living here, I have the educational experience, I have the working experience…I get to go to great speakers, concerts, etc. and enjoy the libraries and Ithaca (I like Ithaca.) I am pleased that I’ll have a degree at the end of it, but I definitely came here anticipating the living out of four years of my life at Cornell, not a word on some paper later on.
I don’t want to sound like the educational portion of that experience isn’t important though. I care a lot about my classes, and I value so much what I’ve learned. I have no idea if I could learn as well, and in such a pleasant environment, elsewhere, but I know I’ve got it good here.</p>