Help me choose: Ohio State vs Cornell

Hey y'all, I'm currently debating between applying to Ohio State and Cornell University. Can anyone share their thoughts on the differences in academics, student life, and opportunities offered by these two schools? Any advice would be super helpful!

Hi! Congratulations on considering both Ohio State and Cornell University for your college journey. Each school has its own unique features that can help you decide which one would be the best fit for you.

Academics:

Ohio State is a large public university known for strong engineering, business, and even agricultural programs. The overall student-faculty ratio is 19:1, and it offers a variety of majors to choose from.

Cornell, a prestigious Ivy League institution, is also known for excellent programs in engineering, as well as architecture, hotel administration, and a variety of liberal arts subjects. Its student-faculty ratio is a bit lower at 9:1, which means you'll likely have more access to faculty and personalized experiences.

Student life:

Ohio State, located in Columbus, has a large student body with over 66,000 students (undergrad and grad) and an active Big Ten sports culture. It also offers a wide array of clubs, Greek life, and various events throughout the year. It's a good option for students who want to be a part of a large and diverse campus with a distinct sports culture.

Cornell, located in Ithaca, New York, has a slightly smaller student body with around 23,600 students (undergrad and grad). It is in a college town and surrounded by beautiful nature, offering more of a serene environment compared to Ohio State. It also has a lively campus life with a variety of student organizations and club sports, as well as Greek life.

Opportunities:

At Ohio State, you'll find many research, internship, and co-op opportunities, especially within the local and surrounding area. The large alumni network can be helpful in making connections as well.

At Cornell, since it's an Ivy League institution, there is a great emphasis on research and collaborative learning. It offers numerous opportunities for students to get involved in research and has established relationships with top organizations and companies for internships. Additionally, the Ivy League reputation could potentially help open doors when it comes time for job hunting or graduate school applications.

In the end, it depends on your personal preferences, academic interests, and the type of environment you want to be a part of. If you want a more urban, large-scale public university experience with a prominent sports culture, Ohio State might be the better choice. If you're interested in a smaller, prestigious institution in a rural setting with a solid reputation for academics and research, Cornell would be a good fit. Best of luck with your decision-making process!