Cornell University Top Questions

Classes at Cornell range from very easy to very hard... but heavier on the very hard. There are a few classes that people will tell you to take for an easy A, but they're kinda rare. Most science classes (chem, biology, physics, etc) are really, really, really hard, as are most math classes. But if you would rather do problem sets and labs than write papers, you'd probably find them easier than most social science classes. As an anthropology major in the College of Arts and Sciences, I take mostly liberal arts classes because that's what I enjoy. So I end up writing A LOT of papers (at least 1 a week,some weeks more). I also do a shit load of reading- page after page after page of readings. I waste so much printing paper and ink printing out articles assigned from the internet because I can't read PDF files online. One of the first things you'll learn about at Cornell is prelims. Prelims are basically like big tests (like midterms) but because they happen between 2 and 4 times throughout a semester, they're called prelims. Some professors make them easier, some make them hard as hell. In science classes the average could be as low as a 60 or 65 percent, but then they professors will curve them. In the classes I've taken with prelims, however, the average was around 85 so the professor didn't curve them. Oh, and by the way, most of you that get into Cornell will be used to getting all As in school- at Cornell, that most likely won't happen. You're going to get a B... get over it. The professors at Cornell are kinda all over the board. I've had really, really awesome professors and really, really bad professors. Most though are very nice and will work with you if you wish. The bigger classes (over 50 or 60 people) will have TAs (teaching assistants) and they will work with the class in smaller groups called sections in order to understand the material better. These students are either upper-classmen who have shown a great aptitude for the subject or graduate students who are working on their masters, doctorates, whatever in that subject area. I have had really good experiences with my TAs and have gotten to know them very well and were able to ask questions and get answers. However, I do know people who think their TAs are idiots and don't get any help from them at all.

I am in the architecture department, so the academic life might be somewhat atypical. All of my professors know my name and we often have dinners together, travel internationally together, or just shoot the shit together. The department is small, about 60 undergrads per graduating class, so all of the students are very close. There is quite a bit of healthy competition, leading to quite a bit of amazing production. At the end of each semester, when everyone's work is done and on display, I have a strange epiphony that studying at Cornell is a truly amazing experience. Since architecture students work constantly (yes, we pull all-nighters frequently), we have bonded in our studios, but have also somewhat cut ourselves off from the rest of the university.

The professors and TA's help you out a lot if you go talk to them. The most unique class I have taken is Thai boxing, which is taught by Kevin Seamen, a coach for a UFC fighter. I did not expect such a good teacher; Cornell definitely went looking for the best.

Cornell can be a "personal" place, but be warned: in most introductory classes, especially those for pre-meds, classes will be huge and impersonal. Once you start taking 200 level classes, however, it becomes difficult to avoid close relationships with at least a few professors. I suggest using AP credit to skip the intro classes, because the intro classes are impersonal and, for the most part, useless. There are thousands of students at cornell. I am disappointed that a large proportion view their time here as a stepping stone to a job rather than a learning experience. There are enough people here, however, that it is not difficult to find students who are genuinely interested in learning and education as an end in itself.

Most of the classes here are pretty big, and most professors in general intro lectures will not know your name. Labs and writing seminars are small (max of 15) so professors/ TA's will know you personally. The classes are challenging, and a lot of work is involved, but professors always have office hours if students are struggling. I don't think Cornell is a cut-throat competitive environment, generally everyone helps each other succeed. My major , nutritrion, has very good core classes- very interesting, and great professors who want you to succeed.

This survey takes way too long. Please see my previous response, where I address many of these concerns. Let it be known that there is so much diversity across academic departments that nothing I say about the Atmospheric Science program will be applicable to other majors, which may operate entirely differently. Briefly: Cornell students are smart, intellectual, and we have stimulating conversations. Most of my professors know me, if I make an effort to get to know them. I love my climate courses. I despise physics. Differential equations was tolerable- the professor was great. Students' study habits wax and wane dependent on their exam schedules. I know I lived in the library before finals, and all the libraries (there are more than a dozen, I believe) were pretty full. But I hadn't spent much time there before then, except around Prelims Class participation varies with the class. Small classes, yes, large lectures, not as much, typically, though some professors strive for it. We are wicked competitive, though we'd rarely admit it. Most of us like to blame the Pre-Meds and the engineers for making the atmosphere so competitive, but the fact is that by pushing ourselves to succeed, we all help perpetuate the stress. Most unique class... I took Introduction to Figure Skating and loved it. International Folk Dance was great too. I realize these are PE classes, but hey, they were fun. I'm atm science, as I said. Great major, though very difficult. Dept, staff, faculty, and students are very supportive and cooperative. Its easy to get involved in research. I feel like I have a personal connection with my advisor, who is a professor in my dept. The students work together, study together, and help underclassmen. I love my major. I've spent time with professors outside of class, yes. We have so-called "Happy Hours" that 2 of our favorite professors have attended, and every year there is an Alumni Weekend that includes a bbq, reception, and party that most professors, students, and many alumni attend. Cornell's academic requirements... depends on your major. Physics and math drive me insane, but my sociology and economics electives can be fun and easy. Education here is geared towards both learning and employment, since just as many people go for their graduate degrees as head straight into the work force. Again, this varies across major.

Students are really bright here, and most are quite competitive. In chemical engineering, I didn't really know the professors til Junior year, because the first two years are mostly core engineering courses. Now I know a bunch of the professors much better and have spent time with them outside of class at other events too. I don't feel like I will use much of what I've learned in my major in my actual job, but rather, the process of learning how best to learn and quickly solve problems.

Students here are very competitive, and are very intelligent. However, there are distinct flaws. For whatever reason, the learning here is very grade oriented, and as such is rarely challenged, and often lacks the rigor of being tested. Class participation is common only because it is forced etc.

The academics at cornell are hard. The classes and exams are very challenging and they force you to have good time management skills and dedication to your education. However, there is always lots of help available for those who need it and ask for it.

My professors do know me by name in the Hotel school because it is a much smaller school. I really enjoyed the Marketing classes and was not a fan of the finance classes because I do not like numbers. Class participation is very common and students are social with professors. Cornell Hotel School is great at finding you jobs. They have great resources and a fantastic alumni network.