I want to major/minor in biological sciences and computer sciences. I have been admitted to both USC and Cornell but I’m not sure which to chose. I feel like the most logical choice is Cornell due to the reputation and Ivy League status, but I don’t really want to go to school in such an isolated area. I have lived on the east coast my whole life and want a complete change of scene, but I want to pick a school that will help me the most when I graduate. Which school would you chose?
Cornell would be the choice for me.
USC is highly rated. At least on the West Coast it has a very strong reputation. If the isolation and winter climate of Ithica will wear you down you won’t give up much academically by going to USC.
You answered your own question. You want a complete change of scenery. You don’t want to go to school in an isolated area. USC is excellent and you should count your blessings you got in. I know a lot of kids who did not with great stats. I vote USC.
Ithaca, although isolated, is rated the top college town in America, even if it is isolated from the rest of NY. I think that even if it’s still on the east coast, it will be a change of scenery from your home town/city.
I think when making this decision, you should think about if you care about the academics more or the scene more (there is no wrong answer). Cornell has a “better bio program” (I say that in quotes because I am not sure how much better/different it ACTUALLY is from USC) and is part of the ivy league, which can have many benefits post-graduation.
USC is still an amazing school though, and definitely a scene change from anything on the east coast. I think also the fact that you are asking this question and still have USC on your mind after getting into an ivy league schools shows that you probably truly love the school for more than just a name.
Remember, the name of the school will not get you a job after school. What you put into your education and how hard you work while in school will.
If you want a change of scenery only while you are in college, and picture yourself working back on the EC after graduation, then go to Cornell. If, on the other hand, you see yourself living in Calif in the future, then pick USC- their alumni network is phenomenal in helping graduates find jobs on the WC.