Cornell College Top Questions

OCAAT

Overall, I really do like Cornell. But I have 3 minor beefs with the school: 1. The administration has some policies that seem more appropriate for a boarding school than a college. The write-ups for alcohol are stringent, and there is no amnesty policy. There is a zero tolerance drug policy (including marijuana). But more disappointingly, these policies are advertised as being community building, when really they just encourage even more dangerous student behavior. 2. Cornell really bills itself as a school with an international student body and focus, with myriad opportunities around the globe. The opportunities exist. But the student population is not nearly as intellectually curious or diverse as advertised. Most of the people I know are not particularly interested in taking a block in a foreign country; they'd rather just take a vacation from school. 3. The food. It's really repetitive and there is a serious lack of vegan/vegetarian friendly options. Props to whoever designed the cafeteria, though, for giving students ways to customize whatever's for dinner. There's a sandwich/quesedilla press, always vegetarian and meat chilis, and there are usually the ingrediants to make a pretty decent salad or bagel pizza. But it would be nice if we didn't always have to resort to making our own food.

Cornell is a very liberal school. You are free to be who you want to be and not judged on looks, weight, hobbies, etc.

Once again, the one course at a time.

The one course at a time (OCAAT) system really allows you to dive into what you're learning and be able to focus.

At this school, we take one course for 18 days and then take another class.

The OCAAT (One Course At A Time) is very unique. We only take on class for 3 and 1/2 weeks then we have a "block break" until the next monday and that monday we start a new class.

One Course at a Time (OCAAT) makes class and extra-curricular activites very managable. It really lets people focus on their studies, while still giving them time to get involved.