Once in a lifetime experience : Cornell University !

I applied to the University Of Toronto (Admitted), Purdue University (Withdrawn), Ohio State University (Withdrawn), the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Withdrawn), UC Berkeley (Withdrawn), UCLA (Withdrawn), UC Davis (Withdrawn), and Cornell University (Admitted - Early Decision). I have mostly withdrawn applications due to the early decision agreement so I didn't receive any rejections or acceptances. My dream was to get admitted to an IVY League and Cornell University was one of the top schools for Engineering and Computer Science. The eligibility criteria were SAT and IELTS (I am not too sure of the minimum requirements but I got a 1440 in SAT and 8.0 in IELTS so I met the requirement). The overall admission process was pretty smooth, as it was an early decision application so I didn't have to apply to a lot of universities. I applied for Early Decision to Cornell University in October. The factors that influenced my decision to apply early to Cornell were because it's one of the top ivy league schools for computer science and engineering, and I was also interested in exploring business and Cornell had one of the top business schools too. Also, the research and project team initiatives are also something that attracted me towards Cornell. Timeline: August: I started writing my college essays for application. I wanted to start off early, as I knew I would have to make multiple drafts and keep editing my essay to ensure it was perfect. September: I finalised my college list, gathered letters of recommendation, and kept editing my essays based on feedback. Early October: I submitted my application under Cornell's Early Decision plan. Mid to Late October: I completed any additional requirements, such as supplemental documents (transcripts – mainly the midterm transcripts after submitting the application). December: I received my admission decision and was accepted into Cornell University....Read More

Choosing Cornell University, Ithaca, was a life-changing decision rooted in both personal dreams and academic ambition. Why I chose the United States: The U.S. is a global superpower with the most advanced education system, a thriving economy, and the promise of a high standard of living. Since childhood, it was my mother's dream—and mine—that if I ever pursued international education, it would be in the U.S. or nowhere else. Why Cornell University: As an Ivy League institution, Cornell is among the top engineering schools globally. Its QS World Ranking of 13 and 2nd in the U.S. (as of 2024) significantly influenced my decision. Cornell stands out for its rigorous academic environment, state-of-the-art research facilities, and a legacy of innovation. Program and Academic Strengths : I chose Chemical Engineering because of the department's world-class faculty—most of whom hold PhDs and have taught at prestigious institutions like MIT. The program offers cutting-edge research in sustainable energy, including solar, wind, and geothermal technologies. Location—Ithaca: Ithaca is breathtakingly beautiful, surrounded by natural forests, waterfalls, and scenic hills. The peaceful environment and lower cost of living compared to major cities make it ideal for focused academic life. The setting keeps one physically active and mentally refreshed. Career and Academic Flexibility: Cornell offers exceptional career prospects and is highly respected among global recruiters. The interdisciplinary flexibility, practical learning methods, and case-based lectures foster real-world readiness and self-exploration. Overall Experience: My time at Cornell has been incredibly fulfilling. The campus is vibrant, full of daily events that help balance academics and relaxation. From peaceful nature spots to technologically advanced classrooms, the campus caters to every student’s needs. I’ve felt both intellectually challenged and emotionally supported. In short, Cornell is a blessing....Read More

Diverse fields of research, university reputation, student clubs, athletics...Read More

1. Small cohort 2. Brand name 3. One of the best program I wanted to pursue....Read More

Program ranked in top 10 in the US. Ivy league school. Shorter duration of masters program. Best Engineering school in the Ivy league....Read More

More credits/focus assigned to research. At least a third of the total credits for graduation were assigned for research which was my primary area of interest....Read More

Prestige and ranking(overall and department). It is an Ivy school and ranked in the top 10 in the US for my program....Read More

I ended up choosing Cornell mainly due to two Professors here (Jie Shan and Peter McMahon). Their research interests aligned really well with mine. Another, although minor, factor that affected my decision was the availability of many hiking trails in Ithaca. I really enjoy trekking and hiking, so that was a major plus....Read More

It's the leading program in this field and I couldn't find it anywhere else. Very detailed and good instruction at Cornell's ILR School in Ithaca, NY about 4 hours from New York City. There are plenty of resources....Read More

A great network to be able to be successful in the future, allows me to extensively train for the career I want. Has a good social climate to be able to enjoy myself when I need a break from the tough work....Read More