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Candid Quotes

Still not convinced that Cornell Engineering is right for you? Below we have compiled some quotes and thoughts from a recent survey of our members about Cornell, the College of Engineering, and campus life in general. For easy navigation, the questions are listed on top and are linked to the answers below. Enjoy...

Where are you from?

(*the students listed below are only a small sample of those quoted in this survey)

Julie Miller '00
Agricultural and Biological Engineering
Liverpool, New York

Patrick Ryan '01
Operation Research and Industrial Engineering/Computer Science
Stonington, CT

Arianne Baker '01
Chemical Engineering
Fargo, ND

Oliver Bajracharya '99
Agricultural and Biological Engineering (Biological concentration)
Valencia (Los Angeles), CA

Scott Hartranft '01
Electrical Engineering/Computer Science
Simsbury, Connecticut

Jill Bong '01
Chemical Engineering
Singapore

Where else did you apply? What made you choose Cornell?

"I applied to Yale University, Princeton University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Inst., Clarkson University, University of Illinois, and Worcester Polytechnic Inst. I chose Cornell for many reasons including: it's one of the most challenging undergraduate engineering programs in the country, it's attractive Co-op program, the appearance of the campus, the many opportunities for research, etc., the good food J, and the presence of a diverse student body."

"I applied to RPI, Carnegie Melon, University of Michigan, MIT, Tufts, Penn State. I chose Cornell because of its IVY status, its closeness to my hometown, and its reputation as a great place to live and learn, especially for engineering."

"Penn State University, University of Pittsburgh, Case Western Reserve University, MIT. I chose Cornell because of the schools I was accepted to, it had the best engineering program. Also, the campus is beautiful, much more ideal for me than a city campus."

"UC Berekeley, Northwestern, Tufts, U. of Michigan. I chose Cornell because I loved the atmosphere when I visited and because it is one of the few universities with a Biological Engineering program."

"I applied to Penn State and Georgia Tech. I applied to Cornell early admission and was accepted. I chose Cornell because of the beautiful campus, large student population, and overwhelming attention paid to the applicants by professors and admission staff."

Why is Cornell a good place to study your field?

"Operations Research is all about applying engineering knowledge and know-how to the business world, where firms and plants all across the world need people to make businesses run more efficiently, quicker, and cheaper. Much of this work is in the fields of statistics and industrial engineering techniques such as systems analysis. Cornell has the best OR department in the US with many renowned professors in all aspects of the major. In particular, the major allows flexibility to explore other engineering disciplines. For example, I am planning to double major in OR and CS due to the incredible overlap between the two majors."

"My major is mainly about the application of physics, chemistry, etc. in designing and improving todays advanced technologies. Through efforts in electrical engineering information can be transferred faster from place to place around the world and new electronic devices extend normal human capabilities. Cornell is a great place to study electrical engineering for many reasons including: the ability to do undergraduate research with professors in cutting-edge areas, the variety of specialized areas in the major itself, the breadth and depth of education, and the chance to mingle with other highly motivated students from around the world who share the same interests as you."

"Electrical Engineering is about turning electrons into devices that can do just about anything. Its about taking an idea and building into something with buttons and blinking lights. Cornell is a great place to do EE, because we have good professors, good facilities, and lots of opportunities to build things with blinking lights."

"Chemical engineering is about chemistry and design to make processes efficient and economically feasible. It covers nearly everything from economic analysis to biochemistry (biomedical engineering) to petroleum refining. Cornell is a good place to study Cheme because there are many faculty with different interests in research so whatever you want to do you can find someone to talk to about it."

"Civil engineering (structural engineering) is about designing structures that will stand, but are also innovative in design or materials to make effective structures (like bridges, tunnels, skyscrapers) that are also interesting - I'm doing an architecture concentration, so I try to connect what I learn in the two fields"

Did you know what you wanted to major in when you applied to Cornell?

"I wanted to major in ChemE when I came to Cornell, but I had a great summer job that convinced me that OR and CS was what I really wanted to do."

"When I applied to Cornell I was leaning toward the fields of electrical engineering and computer science which are the two fields I am currently interested most in."

"I was trying to decide between MechE and MatSci, and decided over the summer when I picked my courses for my first semester."

"NOPE"

"No, I came into the Arts school as a math major, and transferred in my sophomore year."

"I thought I did. I was sure, 100% that I was going to be in Applied and Engineering Physics. I took the intro, I went through the affiliation process I had no doubts in my mind. I always thought it was weird that most my friends didn't know what they wanted to do. Then one day, I looked at the classes I would be taking and the possible jobs I could have when I graduated and wham it hit me, I didn't want to be in AEP. I've been so much happier in OR and my grades have increased dramatically."

"Not really...but I had an idea."

"Yes. Since I was 4 and played with a Commodore64, I knew I wanted to be a computer science major."

"I knew I wanted engineering, I thought I wanted acoustical engineering so I started in mechanical engineering, then I switched to ORIE, and now I'm ABEN, I changed my mind a lot."

"When I came to Cornell, I was debating between doing a history major or Biomedical engineering. (One of the reasons I came here is that I could still take classes in both, no matter which I chose!) I decided to go into chemical engineering after the professor that I am doing research for strongly suggested following that path, and to do the bioengineering option. Since that time, I've changed mm mind A LOT what I plan to do when I leave Cornell (from going to med school to industry to becoming a chemistry professor...which is what I plan to do now). Chemical engineering has proved to be a very versatile major for everything I've wanted to do."

I've heard Cornell is really intense. Is this true?

"It can be. Sometimes you get really unlucky and all your work is due at the same time. Also, being premed exaggerates this aspect. Premed requirements can be more rigorous and filled with students who are competitive by nature."

"Cornell is a very challenging school, but most students are ready for the challenge. While I often detest the workload, I realize that I wouldn't have it any other way. This hard work will pay off in the long run, as I feel I'll be much more prepared to take on the working world upon graduation."

"Yes, it is intense, but, that should be expected, after all, it is an IVY League school. But, you do get the opportunity, on occasion, to just relax and put work aside for a while."

"Cornell is intense, but tolerable. This is because everybody is in the same boat--you work with other people and manage your stress that way."

"Yes, it sure is. But that's what the real world is like. And people out there know that, and look for a rigorous education, such as the one provided by Cornell Engineering."

"Yes, but it is a good atmosphere because everyone works toward a common goal. The work is hard, but it isn't overwhelming and there are always places to find help."

"It's only as intense as you want it to be. I won't lie, its a lot of work, but I also have a social life and spend lots of time goofing off. If you decide to, you could spend every waking minute studying for your next prelim and ensuring that you will get an A+, but you don't have to. As long as you put in the necessary hours to do homework and actually go to the lectures, it is usually sufficient to get a B+ or an A. You do have to do the work, but you don't need to spend all your time studying."

What is the grading like at Cornell? Are the classes really competitive?

"Grading is usually curved. It tends to be fair. In my experiences so far even courses that are typically un-curved end up being curved to a mean of a B- or so. I've found classes in the engineering curriculum are not that competitive. Many professors encourage cooperation. However, other classes I've taken, such as Intro Bio, Chem and Organic Chem tended to be very competitive. Liberal Studies are usually not at all."

"Many classes at Cornell (especially in the College of Engineering) are graded on a curve, so that everyone's grade in the class is based in relation to the class average, however, there are an equal number of classes where the grading is based more on strictly individual performance in the class (regardless of everyone else's grade). The fact that many engineering classes are graded with respect to a mean average does in fact introduce a certain degree of competition among students, however, quite often a class is as competitive as you make it...getting to know other students and seeing your professors makes things feel less competitive."

"Grading is like anywhere else--if you work hard, you'll do well. The classes are not competitive"

"I have found it to be competitive. The fact that most of my classes are curved makes every student compete with every other for the best test score. However, I have realized that I don't need an "A" in every class. Just a passing score in a class shows a sense of accomplishment."

"The grading is tough and can be merciless, but most professors and TA's will listen and help in any way then can if you approach them. One of the things I most regret about my first year here was being too intimidated to talk to my TA's about how to improve. The classes are competitive, but not ruthlessly so. People want to do well, but they understand that you learn more by studying and working in groups than trying to do everything alone. I've never experienced or even heard of students deliberately trying to bring down another student's grade."

What do you do for fun at Cornell? How much work do you have every week?

"I tend to have a lot of work. And I try to do a lot outside of academics so I always feel like I have no time. But there is fun stuff to do: Cornell cinema, hockey games. I play the flute in Symphonic Band. Also, nightlife in Collegetown can be fun. Area parks for hiking and swimming."

"There are so many things to pick from for fun at Cornell that it is often difficult to decide what to do. Some ways I have had fun included running on the Intramural Cross Country and Track teams, participating in 2 clubs that pertain to my major, going to all of the Varsity Ice Hockey games!, going to dinner with friends in Collegetown, walking around in the gorges, and jogging around Beebe Lake. The amount of work you have each week will greatly depend on the size of your course load, but I have always had to spend a reasonable amount of time each day of the week doing course work. The amount of time you will spend on work also depends a lot on how efficient you are in getting it done and how you prioritize your time."

"While at Cornell, I usually go to the movies a lot and sometimes out to dinner with the people I live with. Every week I usually have a good portion of work, but, as stated earlier, there is time to relax, you just have to be aware of the time it takes to do the assignments and study for the prelims."

"I run every day, and I go out with my friends. I do work every weeknight, but the weekends I take a break."

"I go to the gym, play lacrosse, go to Pyramid Mall, bowl, go to the movies, play intramural sports, and relax with friends around campus. I actually find that Engineers have less work than other schools here, probably since we don't have to read as much, but instead just solve problem sets."

"I work on my research project, I row on the heavyweight crew team, and I explore the campus for places I haven't been."

"For fun, I spend time just hanging out with friends, going to movies, listening to music, sometimes to parties. It is hard to say how much work I do every week because it varies. I have some work to do every night though."

"I watch TV and go out with my friends, or go running or hiking. Depending on the week, I usually have enough work to last the whole evening on weeknights, and afternoons on the weekends."

"I have never found a lack of things to do at Cornell. I do everything from going to parties to watching movies to bowling to swimming in the gorges to playing snow football to cozying up with a quality Thermodynamics book on a hoppin' Friday night. I have lots of work every week (how much exactly?--hard to say because I don't think it EVER stops), but it's manageable. The key is to budget enough time for everything and start on assignments early."

What types of campus groups and activities you a part of?

"I'm in Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity. In addition to Engineering Ambassadors, I'm also a Engineering Peer Advisor, and a member of IIE/InFORMS. I also work at the Sports Communications Office covering various sporting events."

"I have run Intramural Cross Country and Track since I came here, I am a member of the Association of Computer Science Undergraduates, I host prospective students through the Red Carpet Society and give tours to prospective students of the Engineering School. Also, I enjoy watching the very exciting Varsity Hockey games and going to a variety of company infosessions and lectures throughout the year."

"I am involved with ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers), Engineering Ambassadors, and Habitat for Humanity."

"I am involved with the SCA (society for creative anarchronism), The Cornell Lunatic (the humor magazine), Engineering Ambasadors (of course!), Engineering Peer Advisors, ACSU, and I do research."

"Engineering Ambassadors, of course."

"I am involved in SWE, Cornell Ambassadors, NSCL and Engineering Ambassadors"

"Cornell Christian Fellowship, Cornell Tradition Fellow, Engineering Ambassadors, SWE, Collegetown Hall Government, intramural soccer, and varsity fencing. I also have 2 jobs- one is secretarial and the other is as an instructor in photography at the Williard Straight Hall Darkroom."

What are fraternities and sororities like a Cornell? Are you interested or involved in the Greek system?

"There are a lot of frats, and they control a good portion of the social life. I am not a member."

"I'm not really into the frat scene, but it's great for those you do like that sort of thing. It's a great place to have fun and meet people that you probably wouldn't otherwise."

"The frats and sororities are good for some people, not for others. You just have to talk to people to find out if you're interested. I am not involved in the Greek system."

"Social life on the weekend focuses around Greek life. I plan to pledge next semester as do most people in my dorm."

"Greek is a big part of Cornell, and offers just another option to the many that already exist at Cornell. I'm not directly involved in the Greek system, but have close ties within it."

"I don't know much about the system - haven't really gone to the parties. They are out there, I know they are but that just not something I'm interested in."

"The Greek life is a big part of Cornell, we have the biggest Greek system in the country I believe, It's not overbearing though. I am not involved in it other than attending some of the parties. There isn't any particular reason I didn't pledge, it just didn't interest me all that much."

"They are very prominent in the social scene, but even though I have friends who are involved, I'm not, and I've never felt that that detracted from my social life."

Are you involved with a varsity sport? How about intramural sports?

"I've played both softball and volleyball intramurals."

"I have been involved with the Intramural Cross Country and Track teams since my first semester at Cornell."

"Intramural basketball and will start club lacrosse after Thanksgiving."

"I am on the sailing team."

"Although I am not personally involved with either, I have had friends and roommates who have been involved in both. They always had the most positive things to say about them."

What is a normal day of your life like on a weekday? on a weekend?

"A normal day starts with a 9:05 class. I usually get done with class at 1:10. I spend the time in the afternoon working at my research job or in the library. I go to rehearsal from 4:45-6:00, and then grab dinner. Several clubs meet at 7 or 8 or I typically go to the library for the rest of the night. Weekends during the day I work at my research job or study. At night, I go out and have fun."

"Wake-up (maybe), go to class. Go to work. Go to dinner. Come back, hang out with friends, do homework. Go to sleep (maybe). Weekend, work, friends, homework, lots of sleep!"

"A normal day for me on a weekday is usually taken up mainly by classes and course work, studying for exams, etc. I also spend time meeting with professors and TA's to discuss weekly problem sets. Then, I usually meet with groups of friends for breakfast, lunch, and dinner to relax. A normal weekend is usually partly taken up by course work, however, I also make the time to go for a run or participate in various events around campus or just hang out with friends."

"There truly is no "normal" day. It is a mix of class, research, athletics, eating, sleeping, relaxing, and doing some homework at night."

"Studying, spending time with some friends (usually at dinner), problem sets, and office hours. Weekends allow a little more sleep, and a more relaxed pace of work"

"Weekdays usually involve going to class and any afternoon labs I may have. After class, I usually run errands or do work in the afternoon until dinner. After dinner I work some more and go to bed around 1 am. Weekends involve sleeping in (anywhere from 10am-12:30pm), doing some work in the afternoon, eating dinner with friends, and engaging in some sort of social activity in the evenings. Usually I'm much more productive on Sunday than I am on Saturday."

"I have classes starting at 9, and going until 1:30 or 4:30 depending on whether I have labs or not that day. On the days that I don't have labs I work until 4:30 at one job. After that I work on homework, eat dinner, socialize, do more homework and depending on the day go to my photo job. I get to bed by 12:30 most nights. On the weekends I try to do whatever homework I didn't get done during the week, and use the rest of the time to do fun stuff."

What is the weather like in Ithaca?

"Beautiful during the summer warm and sunny. Cold, rainy, cloudy in winter. Mild Springs and Falls. Lots of precipitation."

"The weather is a bit crazy. One day itcan be nice and 60 degrees while the next itcan be snowing (which is still nice) and 20 degrees. But, you get used to the fast changes and it doesn't bother me."

"This year we've had great weather (knock on wood). I haven't experienced a true Ithaca winter yet, but I'm bracing myself nonetheless. It's 'gorges' all throughout the year in Ithaca, although the sun could afford to pop out a little more. But I'm definitely not complaining."

"Its cold (well not to everybody) and wet. But it hasn't been that bad at all this semester."

"The fall is beautiful, the winter is cold, and the spring is a blessing."

"'Weather is like a box of chocolates...'? Sometimes it's dark but other times, it's simply beautiful!"

"The weather in Ithaca can drastically change. I remember one Monday last year it was seventy five degrees out and then next day there was three feet of snow on the ground. It can go from warm and sunny to cold and rainy while your in class. The best motto is "be prepared"? I'm not saying its unendurable, but sometimes it is a pain to walk to class through sleety snow or an iced over road. The good side is, Cornell is very meticulous about shoveling away the snow. Just make sure you have a heavy coat, an umbrella and dress in layers and you'll be fine."

"Being from California I guess I'm more used to sun, but it's really not all that bad. The endless gray skies are depressing and a little hard to get used to but the sunny days are worth it! The first snow fall is always beautiful, but by mid-May I just want the snow to melt and the warm weather to come back!!"

Did you bring a computer to Cornell? If so, did it help? If not, did you feel disadvantaged and could you find a computer when you needed one.

"Yes, it is very convenient and I would recommend having one."

"I did bring a computer to Cornell and it was really more for convenience-sake. Computers are largely available and accessible all over campus so I could easily find one if I needed one."

"Yes, I brought a computer and I have found it invaluable to my studies and communications with my family and friends in other places. Also, I frequently need to perform assignments that necessitate a computer and it is nice not to have to go out to find one."

"I brought a computer, and I use it for emailing and writing papers. It's not at all necessary, just a nice extra."

"Yes, I think that it helped some because I didn't have to go anywhere to write papers or do computer projects. It is also nice to have easy access to the internet and to email, but it can be a distraction."

"I like the luxury of having my own computer. Having access to a computer I would say is very important to Cornell engineers, however, there are so many computer labs around campus, you will never have to worry about having access. Some professors and TA's like to keep newsgroups, email lists and webpages up for you to get information. Some prof's and TA's require you to check them very often. If you don't have your own computer, it just means you have to go to a computer lab frequently. The only times I could foresee a problem with this, is when major computer science programs are due. In the end, I'd say its nice to have your own computer, but in no way necessary."

"I had a computer my first two years at Cornell, and it helped a considerable bit. However, I don't have a computer at school this year, and I've gotten along just great. I usually use my roommates' or the computer lab. If you are respectful of the fact that? some computer labs are specifically for computer science class use, you never really have trouble finding a computer when you need one."

What is the food like a Cornell?

"Wegman's is great!? Good restaurants in Collegetown (especially Aladdins, Ruloffs, The Chariot). Dining Hall food is pretty good. I was able to stand it for 2 years on meal plan."

"I've been on the 7-3 meal plan at Cornell for almost 3 semesters and I am very impressed with the food service here... There are several dining halls and facilities to choose from and you can eat at a different one everyday of the week if you choose. The "theme nights" in the dining halls are very impressive too.....or when a visiting chef sponsors a "gourmet week"."

"The food at Cornell is fine. There is usually something everynight that interesets me."

"WEGMAN'S RULES!"

"Dining halls are incredible. I actually told my mother that I am not excited for home cooked meals when I return home. The food could not be better here!"

"The food is pretty good. At times, it can get a little repetitive, but for the most part it is good. There are a lot of choices between all the dining halls, the different meal plans and even the different options at each dining hall."

"There's a lot of variety in the dining halls, there are a zillion restaurants in Collegetown that are reasonably good and cheap, and Wegman's is the coolest grocery store I have ever seen."

"Food definately varies. I prefer Statler for lunch, they have great pasta.
RPU is definately the worst, too crowded too loud, etc.
Best breakfast: definately Hughes, no question.
Best lunch: Statler, Ivy Room, Okie's (maybe)
Best dinner: Okies, Jansen's"

"I think that the food at Cornell is pretty good, actually. I'm off meal plan now, but I still like to get food from the take-out dining halls most days and "Cornellcard" it. There's also a kickin' grocery store down Rt 13 that has everything you could ever need in it (including a pharmacy, pet center, and candy store). The restaurants in Ithaca are really good, too. My friends and I like to eat at Little Joes on a monthly basis (I'm sure they'll love my plug for their restaurant there...)"

Is the Cornell Engineering curriculum set for you at the beginning, or do you get some flexibility?

"There is some flexibility in what technical engineering classes you want to take your junior and senior year. Also, it is possible to take classes at different time than recommended."

"The curriculum is a nice blend of structure and flexibility. While your core courses are basically laid out for you, you have a lot of leeway as to what to do with the rest of your credits."

"You definitely have flexibility in your curriculum, and you are encouraged to explore courses in any of the other undergraduate colleges on campus."

"There is plenty of flexibility. Sometimes too much, I can't decide what to take. "

"There are a certain number of required classes for each major, but you have a lot of flexibility when it comes to electives and liberal studies courses."

"There is a little flexibility, depending very much on what engineering discipline you go into, however, a lot of classes are set."

"Most of your freshmen courses and some of your sophomore courses are manditory core curriculum courses with little room to change. However, even in your core courses you have flexibility. You have the choice of taking one chem class and three physics classes or two each. You get to choose which intro to engineering you'd like to take. And you can choose which order to take most courses. After the core curriculum is over your new schedule depends on your major. Usually your junior year is fairly well planned in advance, but your senior year you get to take electives of your own choosing."

"AP credits help with the schedule flexibility, but in general it is flexible within limits. There are certain courses that have to be taken regardless, and there is not as much flexibility with those."

How big are classes? Are professors the lecturers for all courses at Cornell?

"My classes are about 40-100 students. I've taken some which are much larger. Professors lecture for all classes."

"All of my lectures are taught by professors and the lectures can range in size from 30 to 300. It really varies."

"My classes have around 80 students (the mechanical engineers). All of my classes except for one are taught by professors."

"On average, the class size ranges from 15 to about 40. While all of my classes are taught by the professors, there are some classes that are taught mostly by graduate students and some undergraduate teaching assistants."

"All courses are taught by professors. The class size depends a lot on what class it is. Some classes, such as freshman writing seminars are very small while other such as chem 207 are very big. However, big classes nearly always have small recitation sections that are taught either by a professor or by a TA. These sections are for reviewing the material taught in lecture and for getting questions answered."

"The classes get smaller in the upper levels, and professors are always the lecturers."

Are the professors more interested in their research than teaching classes to undergraduates?

"I've never really asked them. My experience with the professor I do research with has been positive ? he seems generally concerned with me getting a lot out of my experience."

"Professors at Cornell are involved in research, but I have also found how interested they are in helping students to learn the course material. They invite students to come talk with them....and if feasible, they may allow the student to become involved with them in undergraduate research."

"Professors at Cornell are very involved in their research, which is one reason why Cornell is a world-famous institute. But Cornell is also wonderful because the professors make so much time for the students and care a lot about their understanding of the subject matter."

"Some professors are better researchers than they are instructors. Yet there is a large number of professors who are just as good at both."

"Yes some of them are, some of them are not willing to help, but the majority of them are. Unfortunately, sometimes their level of? "help" is miles above your help as well, so your best bet is usually talk to your TA."

"Not at all. I have had so many wonderful teachers who are willing to spend as much as you'd like with them. They are always willing to meet with you during office hours, or by making an appointment or just before or after class. I haven't had one teacher yet who hasn't made the time to talk with me when I needed it."

Are you doing anything like research, masters of engineering, or co-op?

"I plan on taking advantage of several Cornell opportunities. I plan to do co-op, as well as get my MEng, and also participate in a unique MBA program Cornell offers."

"I will be participating in the Co-op program, which still allows you to graduate in 4 years."

"I am studying abroad during the Spring semester (Australia)."

"Actually, I'm going to try to do all three. Co-op starts this summer, and I'd like to get into a research project after co-op is done. I'm thinking about grad school too, but that's a long way down the road. It's nice to know that it's an option to do it here, though."

"Research in material science through the CPRS program."

"I am currently doing research with the Astronomy Dept, and planning on co-oping as well."

"I am not doing any of those through the school, I went out on my own to get an internship at General Motors over the summer and I plan to return there for another summer this year."

"I am doing research right now in one of my professor's laboratories. I work with one of his grad students, and help her run experiments and analyze the results. It's a lot of fun, and it also helped me a great deal to focus in on what I want to do with my life. I am not doing co-op, but I did get a great internship this summer at Merck, in West Point PA. The internship was offered specifically to a Cornell Chemical Engineering student, a fact that I think speaks highly for Cornell's program."

Are the professors and teaching assistants hard to get in touch with if you can't go to office hours?

"The profs I've had have been very receptive any time I've ever needed help with anything."

"Sometimes it is difficult to reach people outside of office hours. However, usually there are multiple office hours and most everyone is accessible through e-mail."

"Simply email the TA or professor, and they'll make time to meet with you."

"Professors almost always say if you can't come to my office hours, please make and appointment. With TA's, what usually happens is that you go to one of the other TA's office hours."

Besides in class or in office hours, are the professors sociable?

"Some. Many don't recognize you because classes are so large but they tend to be approachable."

"I have, personally, not experienced any "sociable" professors yet, but, I have heard stories of students really getting to know there professors on a social level."

"Possibly. Some are quite sociable and will stop in the halls and talk to me. Some are just old nerds that don't want to get to know their students. I've been fortunate to have a lot of the first kind."

"I always say "hi" to my professors when I see them on campus, and I talk about my plans for Australia and the sailing team."

"Many of them would really enjoy getting to know their students."

"Some are, some aren't. Depends on how well you get to know them and their personalities. I think professors in other disciplines are probably more social that engineering profs, but I believe I've had conversations with at least two of my engineering professors!"

What is something you don't like about Cornell?

"The workload and the contrast between "easy" majors and "hard" majors."

"There's really nothing I can say that I don't like about Cornell. I feel like it is the perfect fit for me, and I wouldn't change a thing."

"All the holidays conflict with my friends' holidays."

"Paying for laundry. The sometimes sunless days. The intense self-pressure to perform well."

"The pressure of prelims."

"Sometimes the work is frustrating, or it is hard to do the same things day after day, but overall I really like it."

"I don't like the course requirements that force me to take some classes that are pretty unrelated to my major and that I won't use later?like in ABEN I really don't need to know much electricity and magnetism, yet I still have to take that physics course to fill an engineering requirement."

"Sometimes I think they make us work to hard for our degree. If I start comparing myself to friends at other colleges I realize how much better I could be doing with much less effort and I wonder if it's all worth it."

"Everything costs money!"

What do you wish you had known about Cornell when you were deciding which university to attend?

"I wish I knew about all the great opportunities Cornell has to offer. You can really take advantage of this great university if you only know how."

"The excellent Career Services Office that makes the transition from Cornell to the working world SO much easier. Not to mention, the close connections Cornell has with industries, the government, etc. all over the U.S. and even beyond....and the strong alumni network."

"I wish I had known that my TI-82 would become absolutely useless."

"One thing that intimidated me was the size of the school, and it would have been comforting to know that it's nothing to worry about?if you're outgoing and sociable, you won't get lost in the crows, and you'll realize that everyone you meet already knows someone else you know, or took a class that you took, or has some kind of connection that makes the big campus seem much smaller."

"How great HOT TRUCK was!!!"

"I was fortunate enough to have spent six weeks here as a prefrosh after 11th grade. I pretty much knew a great deal about Cornell when I decided to come here. I knew which dorm I wanted to live in, which locations I wanted to eat, how to get from place to place and a hundred other little details that made life so much easier those first couple of weeks. I really can't think of anything I wish I could have known."

"I wish I had known more about housing."

"I'm not a big fan of the large intro classes or large classes in general. I'd learn much better in a more discussion-oriented environment. Also, I've heard some bad things about transferring between on campus dorms."

"I wish I had known that the professors are a lot nicer than what I originally perceived them to be. They ARE human and nice and helpful, so you don't need to feel like you can't meet with them one on one or ask questions. Most like students that ask questions, otherwise they feel like they are just lecturing to a nameless wall of faces. You shouldn't feel scared about talking to your profs, in fact it helps you grade-wise and it is good for them to get to know you on a more personal basis and vice versa."

"That if I had done a little bit better on my AP's I could've passed out of a bunch of stuff."

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