Should you attend Cornell University? | Thoughts from a Recent Grad

Summary

In this video, Darren shares an insightful review of his Cornell University experience, offering a candid breakdown of its academics, extracurriculars, social life, and the unique challenges of life in Ithaca. As a STEM major in the College of Engineering, Darren delves into the rigorous academic environment, the demanding workload, and the realities of adjusting to a highly competitive school. He also explores the pros and cons of Cornell's campus culture, including the importance of Greek life and the mental health challenges many students face. Ultimately, he advises prospective students to carefully consider if Cornell's self-starting, resilient culture is the right fit for them.

Takeaways

• 😀 Academics at Cornell are challenging, with large class sizes and a heavy workload, particularly in STEM fields.
• 😀 The competitive environment at Cornell can be tough, as many students come from top-tier schools and comparisons are common.
• 😀 The university's academic culture focuses heavily on self-discipline and self-learning, with minimal professor interaction.
• 😀 Extracurricular activities at Cornell are diverse, but students may face high rejection rates, especially in professional organizations.
• 😀 Greek life plays a significant role in social life, but for those not involved, alternative ways to connect include clubs, bars, and local events.
• 😀 The local town of Ithaca, though isolated and having harsh winters, offers a unique charm with beautiful outdoor scenery and a strong food scene.
• 😀 Cornell has a large number of active clubs, but many are niche or specialized, often providing great networking opportunities for students.
• 😀 Mental health support at Cornell is a challenge, with high stress and pressure leading to burnout, particularly in engineering students.
• 😀 The importance of building strong friendships at Cornell cannot be overstated, as friends are key to navigating both academic and personal struggles.
• 😀 Success at Cornell requires resilience, self-motivation, and the ability to handle failure—rejections from clubs and poor grades are part of the journey.
• 😀 Cornell is best suited for self-starters who understand the balance between personal growth and academic pressure, and who are prepared for setbacks along the way.

Q & A

What is the overall impression of Cornell University according to the narrator?

The narrator views Cornell University as a prestigious institution but emphasizes that it’s not the right fit for everyone. They highlight the academic rigor, competitive nature, and the challenges associated with adjusting to the workload and social dynamics. Despite the tough aspects, the narrator mentions the importance of the community and the friendships formed at Cornell as the most rewarding part of the experience.

How would you describe the academic environment at Cornell, especially for STEM majors?

The academic environment at Cornell is described as challenging, particularly for STEM majors. The workload is heavy, with frequent problem sets and exams, and class sizes are large, especially in introductory courses. Professors tend to focus more on their research than on teaching, making it harder for students to form intimate relationships with them. Students are expected to be self-starters, and it takes time to adjust to the intense academic pressure.

What advice does the narrator offer regarding the workload at Cornell?

The narrator advises prospective students to expect a heavy workload, particularly in STEM fields. Students may struggle initially but will learn to manage their time better as they progress. The key is to stay on top of assignments and exams while also seeking help through office hours and utilizing teaching assistants. It's also important to manage expectations, as academic performance may not always meet previous high school standards.

How does Cornell's extracurricular scene compare to other universities?

Cornell offers a wide variety of extracurricular activities, including over 400 active student clubs. These range from fun hobby-based clubs to professional organizations and project teams, especially in the engineering field. The extracurricular scene is considered one of the strongest aspects of the university, offering valuable networking opportunities and helping students develop professionally while also fostering personal growth.

What role does Greek life play in the social scene at Cornell?

Greek life plays a significant role in the social scene at Cornell, especially for underclassmen. Although only about 30% of students are involved in Greek life, many students find it central to their social experiences, particularly in terms of partying and networking. However, recent policy changes have made Greek life more regulated, with stricter rules and increased monitoring of parties, leading to a decline in its popularity.

How does the social environment evolve from freshman year to later years at Cornell?

As students progress through their years at Cornell, the social environment shifts. Freshmen tend to engage more with Greek life and parties, but as they advance, their social circles often expand through clubs, professional organizations, and friend groups. Upperclassmen spend less time at frat parties, and there are more opportunities for more mature, relaxed socializing at bars, restaurants, or through extracurricular events.

What is the social life like in Ithaca, and how does the campus environment contribute to it?

Ithaca is a small, remote town, but it offers a vibrant community for students, especially during the summer when the weather is warmer. The campus is situated on a hill, offering scenic views of the surrounding area. Although the weather can be cold and overcast for much of the year, the town and campus come alive in spring and summer, with outdoor activities, festivals, and a lively atmosphere in College Town, which is home to many student-run apartments and businesses.

What challenges do students face when adjusting to life at Cornell, according to the narrator?

Students face a number of challenges when adjusting to life at Cornell, including the intense academic pressure, large class sizes, and the competitive atmosphere. Additionally, the cold and gloomy weather can lead to seasonal depression, and students may struggle with the lack of immediate support from faculty and the mental health resources. The adjustment to independence, the difficulty in making friends outside of Greek life, and the high standards for extracurricular acceptance are also cited as significant challenges.

What does the narrator suggest is key to thriving at Cornell?

Thriving at Cornell requires being a self-starter, being comfortable with failure, and having the resilience to keep going despite setbacks. The narrator emphasizes the importance of making the most of opportunities, especially in extracurricular activities and clubs, and adapting to the challenges posed by the rigorous academic environment. Persistence and personal growth are essential for a successful Cornell experience.

What is Cornell's reputation, and how does it affect the student experience?

Cornell has a strong reputation as an Ivy League institution, consistently ranking in the top 20 of U.S. News rankings. However, the university also faces negative press related to mental health struggles and suicides, which have been an ongoing issue for many years. This tough reputation can make adjusting to the university particularly hard, especially for students in rigorous programs like engineering. Despite these challenges, the narrator suggests that Cornell's reputation ultimately opens doors and provides significant networking opportunities.