Last year’s grads share insider info with future Rams

A sign that says "I love Cornell"Whether visiting campus for an individual tour or to spend time immersed in a special event, prospective students may not even know what they should be looking for in a college. Sometimes, the best way to know what’s important is to seek advice from a person who’s already lived through it. So, as the first of our summer visit days approaches this week, we thought it’d be good to see what the Class of 2025 had to say to prospective Cornell students:


1. “Cornell is a great community where you get to know and care about everyone. The professors care a lot about students' success, as well as the upper class students helping out and guiding the younger students.” ~Samantha See, kinesiology major, with a minor in psychological studies.

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  • 2. “The block program is so wonderful. It takes a little bit of time to adjust for some people, so don't give up! Once you get used to the pacing of Cornell classes, you will be able to take advantage of all the opportunities the block plan allows for!” ~Gracie Erickson, English creative writing major, with a secondary education certification.
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  • 3. “I would tell a prospective student that Cornell has truly been amazing for me, and if they go here, do not beCornell students spending time together outside of Thomas Commons afraid to be involved. College is more fun when you are a part of groups and building a sense of community, and Cornell makes that very easy to do.” ~Clare Green, finance and Spanish double major, with a minor in applied statistics.
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  • 4. “While the block program is great, the biggest draw for me is the faculty. All of my professors have been so supportive and helpful on an individual level.” ~Simon Downs, engineering major, with a minor in applied math.
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  • 5. “It's very possible that along the journey you will question if this is the right place for you, and just know that is very normal. The block plan prepares you for so many life skills like communication, efficiency, attention to detail, and more. I never knew what opportunities would be there for me when choosing Cornell, but so many doors have opened for me by creating relationships with professors and working hard in classes.” ~Emma Rowe, biochemistry and molecular biology major, pre-pharmacy.
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  • 6. “Come, you’ll love it!” ~Lilly Dierkes, biochemistry and molecular biology major, with minors in psychology and kinesiology.
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  • 7. “The block plan is amazing, and this is a great place to study, whether you come in knowing exactly what your major will be or you find out along the way.” ~Laura McLees, biochemistry and molecular biology major.
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  • 8. “Cornell is like a second family to you; you will create such amazing bonds!” ~Amelia Anderson, gender, sexuality, and women’s studies major.
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  • 9. “The professors, advisors, and coaches here truly care about you and want to help you succeed, both academically and professionally.” ~Landon Card, religion and biochemistry and molecular biology double major.
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  • Cornell students in class10. “The block plan is challenging, but so rewarding at the same time.” ~Krystin Kamrath, finance major, with a minor in kinesiology.
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  • 11. “It is a loving community full of opportunity and support, and it will feel like home.” ~Audrey Montgomery Gardes, theater major, with a minor in art history.
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  • 12. “Cornell is a small community, but I met some of the most influential people in my time here.” ~Josalin McKeever, biochemistry and molecular biology major.
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  • 13. “The block plan is a great opportunity to focus only on one class and not burn yourself out, since your schedule is the same every day.” ~Jada Sabir, biochemistry and molecular biology major, with a minor in Spanish.
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  • 14. “Take your time to figure out what YOU want.” ~Elin Kairies, biochemistry and molecular biology major, with a minor in studio art.
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  • 15. “The classes fly by, so make the most of each one.” ~Aurora Elliot, politics major.
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  • 16. “Give yourself grace; it can be hard, it may seem impossible at times, but when they say that you can doPresident Brand greets students on move-in day at Cornell College anything in 18 days, they're not lying. You learn a lot from being able to do things so quickly:  you learn how smart you are, how capable you are, and how much effort something really takes. Don't be afraid to reach out and make relationships with the professors because many of them will do what they can to keep in touch even after you graduate.” ~Raissa Jacobs, German studies and ecology and evolutionary biology double major.
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  • 17. “Cornell is a place of community, which is perfect if you are nervous to move to a new place. The professors are very understanding of life as a student–after all they have been in our positions before. After my four years at Cornell I feel more prepared for the fast-paced world because of the block plan, and I wouldn’t ever change my decision to study here.” ~Savannah Sheffler, politics and kinesiology double major.

18. “If it feels right to you deep down, then it probably is right.” ~Grace Parises, engineering major.