Newsletter for Counselors Diversity Outreach Fall 2018 Undergraduate Admissions Office Greetings from Cornell! Save the date for our Webinar for C.B.O. and H.S. Counselors on Thursday, September 27 from 1:00 Inside this issue: to 2:00 p.m. NY EDT. Join from a PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android by visiting this link: https://cornell. zoom.us/j/176942801. We will share information about Cornell’s academics, campus community, re- Cornell Housing ......... 1 sources for first-generation and other underrepresented students, admissions and financial aid pro- Creating the College cesses, and more. Please take this brief survey to assist us in knowing the topics and questions to focus List ................................ 2 on most. We look forward to answering your questions! Shining Light on the College Search ............. 3 Cornell Housing... Something for Everyone! By: Brendon Gauthier 21’ Guiding Points for the Cornell Application .... 4 Housing is a critical piece of the Cornell experience! Housing options at Cornell are just as diverse as the Cornell Fin Aid 101 .... 5 student body and academic offerings. Freshmen are guaranteed housing on North Campus. We offer hous- New Staff Member ..... 6 ing in traditional dorms, apartments, townhomes, and Visit Information ........ 6 program houses. Cornell program houses are residen- tial buildings dedicated to the social, cultural, and/or academic interests of our students. Our program hous- es include: Ujamaa (pronounced "OO-juh-muh") is dedicated to exposing students to the African Diaspora. This is a dorm open to all people, of all backgrounds, with an open and accepting atmosphere. It is known for the unique beliefs, values, and social views embodied by its community members. Ujamaa and its residents have a focus on supporting the growth and develop- ment of students through meetings and in-hall events. Sunset on West Campus residents, Collegetown, or on West Campus, where The Latino Living Center (LLC) encourages students’ each dorm has its own dining hall. Program houses are learning about Latino/a culture, history, and current also an option for upper-level students. events. Members value the Latino/a heritage including family, community engagement, and commitment to One-third of Cornell students are involved in Greek education. Life. There are over 60 fraternities and sororities. Many of these organizations have a designated house on Akwe:kon (pronounced uh-GWAY-go) is the nation’s Cornell’s campus and offer a residential experience in first university residence hall established to celebrate addition to social, cultural, and/or academic activities. American Indian culture and heritage. The name Ak- we:kon means “all of us” in Mohawk language. The Cornell’s residential halls are alcohol and drug free building and landscape was designed with symbols spaces. For students recovering from alcohol and/or that reflect the theme of communal spirit. drug abuse, we offer specific sober housing through our Sober Housing Initiative. The initiative and house I have had the opportunity to live in Ecology House, provide students who self-identify as recovering from a program house for students interested in protecting addictions with a space to live with others who can re- our environment. This is also the only campus hous- late. The house is located on North Campus. ing where pets are allowed! This summer, I am serving as a resident advisor to students in Risley Residential Cornell has a gender-inclusive policy that enables stu- College, a program house focused on the Creative and dents to live with whomever they choose, regardless of Performing Arts. sex, gender, or gender identity. Additionally, students with disabilities or medical conditions have the option This is a brief synopsis of only a handful of the pro- to live in Adaptive Housing. gram houses here at Cornell. If students are interested in being a program house community member, but do An exciting development is Cornell’s North Campus not want to live there, they can apply to be an “out-of- Residential Expansion project. This will broaden resi- house member.” I have been an out-of-house member dential options on North Campus to extend the guar- at Ujamaa since the start of my freshman year and will anteed housing period for first-year and sophomore live there as a formal member this school year. students. It will also contribute to the greater diversity of on-campus living areas. At Cornell, there truly is a Upper-level students have the opportunity to live in housing option for everyone. cooperative houses (co-ops), houses governed by the How Do You Know if Your Student Should Add Cornell to Their Page 2 College List? By: Amber McKay, ‘19 When crafting a college list, students should take sev- Why Add Cornell? eral factors into account: the probability of admission, Cornell University is an excellent choice “reach” school the desired area of study, location, school culture, and option for students who would like to attend an Ivy affordability. All of these facets are imperative to fig- League school that has more of a traditional state uni- ure out before beginning the application process in versity feel. While Cornell is just as rigorous as one order to save both time and money, but when done would expect of an Ivy, the large, yet cohesive, cam- correctly can help guide students to the school of their pus and student body allow for a surprisingly intimate dreams! The first step in creating a college list is to en- feeling of oneness and pride that one may presume of a courage your students to use the 3+3+3 guideline in traditional state school. Students may also want to add which they choose three certain, three probable, and Cornell to their lists as Ezra Cornell’s founding vision Commencement 2018 three reach schools. To determine which schools fit in of “any person, any study” is veritably at work. Cornell which category, students should determine how their takes a holistic approach when reviewing each appli- grades, rigor of completed coursework, standardized cation in order to consider students’ potential contri- test scores, and financial need align with the expecta- butions beyond their academic achievement. Simul- tions and requirements of their desired schools. Then, taneously, we encourage our diverse student body to students should begin to decide on a potential area of follow their academic passions while gaining exposure study. Though some students at this point in their ac- to a wide breadth of scholarship. If there is not a spe- ademic careers are certain of a future in the medical cific major that piques a student’s interest among the field, business, government or other industries, it’s seven colleges and schools, there is not an initial pres- important to posit the possibility of discovering new sure to have it all figured out and there’s an interdisci- “...often interests during college. Even students who might be plinary studies or independent study option for those uncertain about what they want to study should ap- who want to craft their own program of study. Further- students feel proach this decision with a degree of flexibility. This more, Cornell makes a great addition to college lists as pressured by flexible or “growth” mindset is a critical part of a stu- it is rated one of the best value colleges, no doubt par- parents or dent’s personal development while in the collegiate tially due to our available financial aid options. classmates to environment. Critical thinking and problem-solving apply to certain skills complement this mindset and prepare students As if the rigorous and diverse programs of study to handle potential changes to their career path. weren’t enough, students should consider Cornell schools or for its truly awesome and unmatched beauty. Ithaca, programs de- Similarly, students ought to assemble their college list New York is consistently rated as one of the top col- spite their own based on their needs and desires. This may seem ob- lege towns in America, which is no surprise consider- wishes.” vious, but often students feel pressured by parents or ing the wealth of activities that the city provides. Not classmates to apply to certain schools or programs de- only does Ithaca have its own gorgeous waterfalls and spite their own wishes. Peer and parental pressure of gorge trails, but it is also located close to several state this type can result in a sort of “Prestige Olympics” in parks. Throughout all four seasons, Ithaca is uniquely which different types of schools (i.e. Ivy League, HB- vibrant with opportunities to try new restaurants, par- CUs, state schools, community colleges) are subjective- ticipate in a variety of festivals, and volunteer within ly ranked by their perceived prestige. This approach the community. not only results in students often focusing their energy on schools that may not be a good fit for them, but also Cornell was founded with a mission to educate genera- neglects the factors that should hold heavier weight tions of global citizens through encouraging public ser- than status in the college search process. In addition vice as well as encouraging a “culture of broad inquiry to the 3+3+3 guideline, students need to account for throughout and beyond the Cornell community.” Over their potential success in a small, large, public, or pri- one hundred and fifty years later, these sentiments are vate school. While keeping these vital considerations in still upheld by Cornellians and are a critical part of mind, here are some additional guidelines for students what made many of us choose Cornell. If your student to help determine if Cornell is right for them. seeks a world-class education in an enrichingly diverse environment while maintaining a devotion to commu- Senior wide receiver nity service, Cornell would be an excellent place for V.J.