Alexandra G.
On campus, my go-to resource is the Engineering Learning Initiatives (ELI). One of my biggest fears going into Cornell was that I might fall behind or not know as much as other students in my classes. On a Zoom call before enrolling in classes for my first semester at Cornell, I learned about a class called Academic Excellence Workshop through ELI. This 1-credit, student-led supplemental math class was designed to help students practice solving problems. It was one of the best choices I made — not only did it help me immensely in my class, but I also met one of my closest friends there. I also discovered that ELI offers free, one-on-one tutoring that you can schedule at your convenience to help you feel prepared before exams. These resources support me not only in my classes but also in my research. Through ELI, I received a grant to stay in Ithaca and conduct research over the summer, which was one of my favorite experiences at Cornell so far.
My favorite place to study is in the A. D. White Reading Room in Uris Library, particularly next to a window seat overlooking Libe Slope. I also play a fun game where I go into a library or building and see how deep into the building I can get before I can't go any further, and I study there. You'll find that at Cornell, there are a lot of small study spaces hidden within buildings. It is a fun way to discover new study spots while getting to know the Cornell campus better.
My favorite class at Cornell was a bioethics class I took as my First-Year Writing Seminar. It was a philosophy course and one of my first classes at Cornell. I had an idea of what I thought a philosophy professor at Cornell would be like, but on the first day, the professor walked in and immediately told us to just call him "Matt." This class had some of the most interesting discussions, and it truly made me think about my work as a biomedical engineer in a new light. It was filled with fun moments and serious debates, expanding how I think ethically about medicine. It was also a class where I met many friends with whom I'm still close today.
When applying, find the unique aspects of Cornell that excite you. For example, it could be one of the over 1,000 clubs at Cornell, attending a chimes concert from the clock tower, or looking forward to your first sundae from the Cornell Dairy Bar. These unique elements can help you recognize when a college is the right fit. Also, don’t be afraid to reach out to current Cornell students. They often have valuable insights into whether Cornell would be a good match for you, and listening to them talk about their experiences can help you find something that excites you specifically about Cornell.
One of my favorite things to do in Ithaca is visiting Stewart Park at the southern end of Cayuga Lake. It has many benches that offer perfect views for watching the sunset on a nice day. Hot air balloons often take off nearby, adding to the scenic atmosphere. If you love running, numerous trails start from the park. It’s also where my friends and I recently started paddleboarding. I recommend a picnic or walking around Cayuga Lake from Stewart Park. I also love skiing at Greek Peak, a mountain 30 minutes away from campus. Not only is it fun to ski with friends, but there are also many fun events, such as the annual pond skim every March.
I found my closest group of friends at Cornell through the Cornell Alpine Ski Team, one of the clubs I joined during my first year. Everyone on the team is encouraging and kind; they always have your back, no matter what. Most of my best memories at Cornell have been spent with individuals I’ve met on the team, from going to hockey games together to competing at Nationals in Lake Placid.
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