<p>I like Northwestern a lot, particularly because of it’s location on Lake Michigan and that it’s near Chicago. And a couple of years ago, I was in the same boat as you are, having to decide between Northwestern and Cornell (as well as Notre Dame), but in economics, not engineering.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t fret too much over the Engineering workload. Your SAT scores are strong, and as long as you have a solid work ethic, you should have no problem at Cornell. All of my engineering friends at Cornell had plenty of time to pursue club or varsity sports, research opportunities, etc., and to pursue ample social pursuits on the weekend.</p>
<p>In terms of sustainability, this is one of Cornell’s strong suits. Cornell has been pouring a lot of time, money and energy into this field in recent years, and there are plenty of ways for Cornell students to get involved. A lot of students are really involved in things like the Solar Decathlon or the Solar Car competition.</p>
<p>Some links that may be of interest:</p>
<p>[Cornell</a> Solar Decathlon - Home](<a href=“http://cusd.cornell.edu/cusd/web/index.php]Cornell”>http://cusd.cornell.edu/cusd/web/index.php)
[Cornell</a> Chronicle: Alum Jeff Tester to return as Croll professor](<a href=“Home | Cornell Chronicle”>Home | Cornell Chronicle)</p>
<p>And a list of courses and clubs:</p>
<p>[Sustainability</a> Courses at Cornell University](<a href=“http://forum.johnson.cornell.edu/students/orgs/netimpact/sustainabilitycourses.htm]Sustainability”>http://forum.johnson.cornell.edu/students/orgs/netimpact/sustainabilitycourses.htm)</p>