I have been accepted into Cornell University, Notre Dame and USC (Southern California). I was wondering if there are any big reasons why I should choose (or not choose) one of these schools over the other two. I’m planning to major in engineering (undecided), but I plan to go to law school afterwards. Money plays no role. I’m from NJ so Cornell is the closest and most practical in terms of distance. If you could help that would be great. Thanks!
Law school admission is almost entirely gpa and LSAT score, so if it stays in the picture, attending a place where you can achieve the best possible grades will be a factor.
Depending on where you are in NJ, United flies non-stop Newark to South Bend twice a day, which makes the travel very convenient, and could be easier than NJ to Ithaca, NY. Of course, with ND, an important consideration is your interest in and comfort with a Catholic school – if you are not Catholic, or not religious, consider whether you are comfortable in an environment where birth control is not available at health services, all dorms are single sex and there are parietals – times after which the opposite sex is not supposed to be in your room, though there are commons rooms where it is permitted. Many non-Catholic or non-religious students are completely comfortable with the religious implications on student life, but once in a while, you hear about students who did not realize the impact on student life.
@Midwestmomofboys I went to a catholic high school so that should not be too much of an issue, but thank you for the input.
I wouldn’t pick your college based on your plans for law school 4 years from now. You may change your mind. Also, engineering is going to be tough at all 3 places, so trying to game which one will give you a better GPA might be pointless. Just pick the one that you like the best. Are you a woman? The male/female ratio in engineering is something you may want to look at for these schools. At Cornell, it is close to 50/50, while it is much lower at Notre Dame and USC. This was a big factor in my daughter’s choice to apply ED to Cornell this year.
@patatty I’m a guy thanks though!
Have you looked over the engineering schools of all three? Anything stand out more to you from any of them in terms of resources, areas of focus, research opportunities, etc?
Unless you want SoCal weather, I’d pick ND or Cornell as they’re closer to home, and smaller. Between those two, I’d say it’s a toss-up. ND is smaller and reputed to have a really good alumni network. Cornell has the “ivy” reputation and is much more well known internationally (in the event that’s a factor). Great choice either way - either one gets you where you want to go (providing you do your part, of course). If I were you I’d visit both of them if possible and then decide based on which one you seem to like best.
re #1, Cornell’s transportation options are here:
https://transportation.fs.cornell.edu/file/GetAround_Travel_13.pdf
I don’t know for sure, as I don’t live in New Jersey, but I imagine lots students get rides from some of the zillions of fellow students who live in New Jersey and drive.
Or they take the campus to campus bus into Manhattan and then take NJ transit. Over holidays they might take one of the dedicated buses to NJ.
The non stop flights would be between Newark airport and Syracuse.
Engineering at Cornell is a little tougher on GPA than their Arts & Sciences College. But I think that’s the case at engineering programs generally, so the situation may not be materially different at the other two schools.
I second the suggestion to visit. Do you plan to attend any admitted student days?
Yes I do thank you guys for the help and am planning to visit Cornell and Notre Dame over April.
Have you chosen? also torn between the schools and only had the opportunity to visit ND so I’m in the dark regarding Cornell. Can you tell me any of your impressions. Undecided major
@vivianshiu yes I decided to go to Cornell mostly because of distance vs. USC and also I liked the diversity and town around the college a lot better than Notre Dame. I am also in some groupchats and loved the people I have met. Visiting Cornell was amazing as well, it has a beautiful campus.