Cornell University is a world-renowned institution of higher learning, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Two of the most popular colleges at Cornell are the College of Engineering and the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). Both colleges offer a challenging and rewarding academic experience, but which one is easier?
Admissions
The admissions process is one of the first things to consider when comparing Cornell Engineering and Cornell CAS. Both colleges have competitive admissions standards, but Engineering is generally considered to be more selective. In 2021, the acceptance rate for Engineering was 10.4%, while the acceptance rate for CAS was 14.3%.
Curriculum
The curriculum in Engineering is more focused on math and science than the curriculum in CAS. Engineering students must take a number of required courses in math, physics, chemistry, and computer science. CAS students have more flexibility in their curriculum, and they can choose from a wider range of courses in the humanities, social sciences, and arts.
Grading
The grading system in Engineering is generally more rigorous than the grading system in CAS. Engineering students are expected to earn high grades in all of their courses, and they may be penalized for earning low grades. CAS students have more leeway in their grading, and they may be able to earn a degree without earning high grades in all of their courses.
Reputation
Both Cornell Engineering and Cornell CAS have excellent reputations. Engineering is ranked among the top 10 engineering colleges in the country, and CAS is ranked among the top 20 liberal arts colleges in the country. Graduates from both colleges are highly sought-after by employers, and they go on to successful careers in a variety of fields.
Cost
The cost of attendance is an important factor to consider when comparing Cornell Engineering and Cornell CAS. The tuition and fees for both colleges are the same, but Engineering students may have to pay additional fees for lab equipment and other supplies. CAS students may have to pay additional fees for certain courses, such as music lessons or art supplies.
Conclusion
The decision of which college is easier is a personal one. Engineering is a more challenging program, but it offers a more focused and rigorous education. CAS is a more flexible program, but it offers a wider range of courses and a less rigorous grading system. Ultimately, the best college for you is the one that best fits your academic needs and goals.
FAQs
1. Which college is more difficult to get into?
Engineering is generally considered to be more difficult to get into than CAS. In 2021, the acceptance rate for Engineering was 10.4%, while the acceptance rate for CAS was 14.3%.
2. Which college has a more challenging curriculum?
The curriculum in Engineering is more focused on math and science than the curriculum in CAS. Engineering students must take a number of required courses in math, physics, chemistry, and computer science. CAS students have more flexibility in their curriculum, and they can choose from a wider range of courses in the humanities, social sciences, and arts.
3. Which college has a more rigorous grading system?
The grading system in Engineering is generally more rigorous than the grading system in CAS. Engineering students are expected to earn high grades in all of their courses, and they may be penalized for earning low grades. CAS students have more leeway in their grading, and they may be able to earn a degree without earning high grades in all of their courses.
4. Which college has a better reputation?
Both Cornell Engineering and Cornell CAS have excellent reputations. Engineering is ranked among the top 10 engineering colleges in the country, and CAS is ranked among the top 20 liberal arts colleges in the country. Graduates from both colleges are highly sought-after by employers, and they go on to successful careers in a variety of fields.
5. Which college is more expensive?
The tuition and fees for both Cornell Engineering and Cornell CAS are the same. However, Engineering students may have to pay additional fees for lab equipment and other supplies. CAS students may have to pay additional fees for certain courses, such as music lessons or art supplies.
