Cornell vs. MIT: Which one to choose?

I'm starting to look into colleges and I really like both Cornell and MIT. Can anyone provide some insight into the pros and cons of each, and how I might decide which one is the better fit for me?

To help you choose between Cornell and MIT, consider the following factors:

1. Location: Cornell is located in Ithaca, New York, a small college town with a picturesque natural setting. MIT is in Cambridge, Massachusetts, part of the greater Boston metropolitan area. Consider whether you prefer living in a bustling city or a smaller, more tranquil town.

2. Academic programs: Both schools have top-notch STEM programs, but if your interests lie outside of STEM, Cornell may provide broader offerings across all fields. Cornell has seven undergraduate colleges with distinct focuses, including Agriculture and Life Sciences, and Human Ecology. MIT is primarily known for its engineering, computer science, and scientific research prowess.

3. Campus culture: Both schools have competitive and academically challenging environments, but the culture is unique to each institution. Cornell is an Ivy League school that is known for its diverse student body and a campus that fosters interdisciplinary study. MIT, on the other hand, is renowned for its innovation, entrepreneurship, and cutting-edge research, with a culture that's more focused on engineering and technology.

4. Research opportunities: While both schools provide research opportunities, MIT is particularly known for its culture of undergraduate research through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP). Cornell also offers many research opportunities but is generally more focused on a broader range of disciplines.

5. Financial aid: Both MIT and Cornell offer need-based financial aid. However, MIT is need-blind for all applicants (both domestic and international), meaning the school does not consider your financial need when making admission decisions. Cornell is need-blind for domestic applicants only and need-aware for international students.

6. Size: Cornell is a significantly larger school, with a total undergraduate population of around 15,000. MIT has around 4,500 undergraduates. Consider if you prefer a larger, diverse campus or a smaller, more intimate experience.

7. Career outcomes: Graduates from both schools have highly successful and lucrative career paths, but there might be slight differences in the specific sectors. MIT graduates tend to focus on technology, science, and engineering roles, while Cornell graduates enter a wider range of industries, including arts, education, business, and more.

Ultimately, the decision between Cornell and MIT comes down to personal preference, alignment with your academic and career interests, and the type of campus environment that suits you best. I recommend visiting both campuses (either in-person or virtually), speaking to current students or alumni, and considering how each school aligns with your long-term goals.