I think its hard to argue that your prospects would be the same, at least at first, when Cornell is literally one of the top engineering programs in the country. What is not being said, however, is that the academic experience will be vastly different. Cornell Engineering is a grind. For many, it’s an awesome grind, but a grind none the less. Are you prepared for that?
If you have an exploding offer from Cornell you can let the Lafayette coach know. I personally would not forgo a sure thing at Cornell for a maybe at Lafayette. And if the coach does not make you an offer at the point, well, IMO you know your answer.