College Profile: Cornell University

Cornell University is a prestigious Ivy League institution located in Ithaca, New York. Established in 1865, Cornell is home to over 23,000 students from all over the world, around 15,500 of those as undergraduates, with a diverse range of academic interests and backgrounds. Whether you're interested in pursuing a degree in engineering, business, humanities, or any other field, Cornell has a lot to offer.

I have toured Cornell a couple of times and on this particular day, I hit it during a massive rain and wind storm. The campus was still stunning and inspiring. Perched atop a hill overlooking the city and beautiful natural scenery, the campus is filled with gorgeous buildings and an actual gorge that runs through campus. The t-shirts found everywhere do not lie, "Ithaca is Gorges." The tower bell played a tune on the hour that I had to think about for a minute before realizing it was a Cold Play song. Students who emerged from classrooms raced to their next building to avoid the storm, but on calmer days they fill the quads and hillside landscapes.

Fun Facts:

• Cornell University was founded by Ezra Cornell, who co-founded Western Union and was a key figure in the development of the telegraph.

• Cornell is home to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, which is the world's leading authority on birds and bird conservation.

• The university's library system is one of the largest in the country, with over 8 million volumes.

• Cornell has produced numerous famous alumni, including Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Bill Nye, Toni Morrison, and many more.

Student Profile: Cornell attracts a diverse group of students from around the world, with roughly 15% of its student body coming from outside the United States. The university also prides itself on its commitment to diversity and inclusion, with a range of programs and initiatives designed to support students from all backgrounds. Students at Cornell are typically highly motivated and academically accomplished, with an average SAT score of 1480 and an average GPA of 4.0.

Academics: Cornell is known for its rigorous academic programs, with over 100 academic departments and schools. The university is particularly well-regarded for its programs in engineering, business, and agriculture, but also offers strong programs in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Cornell is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, including the Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future, the Cornell Center for Astrophysics and Planetary Science, and the Cornell Center for Materials Research.

Student Life: Cornell offers a vibrant student life, with over 1000 student organizations and clubs. Whether you're interested in sports, music, theater, community service, or any other activity, there's likely a group on campus that shares your interests. Cornell is also home to a number of athletic teams, including the Big Red, which competes in the Ivy League. Beyond extracurricular activities, Cornell offers a range of services and resources designed to support students' physical and mental health, including health services, counseling services, and fitness centers.