Dartmouth or Cornell: Which one is better for me?

Hey guys, I'm a junior and currently stuck between Dartmouth and Cornell for my top choice. Can anyone help me understand the key differences between these two schools in terms of campus life, academics, and opportunities? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Firstly, congratulations on considering two excellent Ivy League institutions! Both Dartmouth and Cornell have their unique aspects when it comes to campus life, academics, and opportunities. To help you better understand these differences, let's break them down:

Campus Life

Dartmouth: Located in Hanover, New Hampshire, Dartmouth offers a more rural and tight-knit campus feel. It is known for its strong sense of community and more outdoorsy lifestyle. The D-Plan is a unique academic calendar that might influence campus life, allowing flexibility for students to choose which terms they're on campus or off for internships or other experiences.

Cornell: Situated in Ithaca, New York, Cornell has a larger campus with a diverse range of students and eight undergraduate colleges. It generally offers a more vibrant campus life owing to its sheer size and numerous affiliated colleges. The campus and surrounding areas are scenic, with many gorges and waterfalls nearby, but much bigger than Dartmouth's.

Academics

Dartmouth: Dartmouth is famous for its liberal arts focus and small class sizes, leading to more personalized attention from professors. They offer a unique approach with the D-Plan, allowing you to study during different terms throughout the year. Dartmouth operates on a quarter system.

Cornell: Cornell is divided into eight undergraduate colleges, which allows students to specialize in a particular field of interest ranging from traditional Arts and Sciences to Hotel Administration. It is known for its top-notch engineering and architecture programs, along with other strong disciplines. Their course offerings are diverse due to the numerous colleges and overall larger student body. Cornell has a typical semester system.

Opportunities:

Dartmouth: As a smaller college, there may be more individualized opportunities for internships or research, but the total count of available opportunities is less than those at larger institutions. Dartmouth's alumni network is very strong and supportive, often resulting in valuable connections and job prospects.

Cornell: The larger size of Cornell naturally brings more research opportunities and resources, particularly in STEM fields. Additionally, Cornell has numerous collaborations and affinity groups, which can lead to unique experiences. Its alumni network is also extensive, providing a wide array of career possibilities.

In summary, consider Dartmouth if you prefer a smaller, close-knit community, personalized approach to academics, and a more outdoorsy lifestyle. On the other hand, consider Cornell if you would like a larger and more diverse campus with a broad range of academic disciplines and more extensive research and internship opportunities. It ultimately depends on which environment you think you would thrive in, so if possible, consider visiting both campuses or connecting with current students to get a better sense of each college's atmosphere. Best of luck in making your decision!