Last Day of Classes!!!
So, as the title implies today is the last day of classes and as such everyone is extremely excited. For me, it was a nice day that included some pretty cool stuff. I only had a math lecture and a chemistry lecture, which made the day go by really quickly. Chemistry lecture was especially exciting because we had a series of demonstrations. At one point there was a line of flames about 2 feet away from me. In short, it was a nice day full of relief and (some) relaxation.
The other really exciting thing about the last day of classes is that my first full semester at Cornell is almost over! It's amazing how fast everything happened and how much I've learned over the last few months. It's also exciting because in exactly 2 weeks I'll be home and I'll be able to relax!
All that's left is to take study and take finals. The next two weeks are interesting because they are solely dedicated to studying and taking finals. That means no homework, no classes and no fun. Actually, strangely enough there are many fun and stress-relieving events planned for the next two weeks, which should make the whole time slightly less stressful.
As the semester is winding down for us here, I hope that those applying Regular Decision are finishing your applications (you only have ~4 weeks!) and those of you who applied Early Decision stop freaking out (you'll find out very shortly, so there's no point in freaking out). Well, if you have any questions feel free to contact me (Don't worry, I don't bite, and I respond fairly quickly) .
ahhh...it's almost over
The second wave of prelims is almost over... In case you were wondering, prelims are tests that we take and are usually worth the majority of our grade. We usually have 2-3 prelims per class and a final. Each test is worth something like 10-20% of your grade. So,these past few weeks, the majority of freshmen engineering students have had 2-3 prelims. For example, last week I had my chemistry prelim and this week I have my computer science and math prelims. With all these tests, people are understandably stressed out but there's a light at the end of the tunnel...Next week is Thanksgiving break!
Thanksgiving break is something that is very exciting because most people get to go back and relax for a few days. I'm certainly looking forward to sleeping in and not having to worry about tests(temporarily). It's also exciting because after we get back there are only a few classes left and then we have FINALS! Even though finals should induce more anxiety and stress within the population, at least we don't have to worry about classes when we're studying for them. After finals, it's all over...well, at least the first semester. College life is proving to be a fun-filled ride!
Well, I hope that all you who intend to apply to Cornell are on top of things, because just as fast as the semester is ending here, the regular decision deadline is approaching. For those of you who applied early decision, calm down and enjoy senior year. When you get to college everything is so very different(but fun), so enjoy what you have now.
Hope you all have a great Thanksgiving,
Darlin
Has it really been that long?
One thing that will amaze you when you get to college is how fast time goes by. My orientation was just 9 weeks ago and I'm already more than half way through the semester. I think it's a great feeling though. Thinking how long its been gives me a great sense of accomplishment. Over the last 2 months I've done and learned so much.It's amazing to think that in about 8 more weeks I'll be done with my first semester at college.
So, as all you are chugging away at your applications keep in mind what you're working for. In a year or so you will be experiencing so much and you'll be having so much fun. Work as hard as you can now, but prepare to work harder and play harder. Applying to schools is very stressful, but believe me, it's worth it. Hopefully, you guys have planned well and aren't killing yourselves to finish your applications, especially since deadlines are looming. The early decision deadline is this Sunday and even the regular decision deadline is in about two months, so get to work!
If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment and I will respond to them ASAP.
Stay frosty,
Darlin
Decisions, Decisions
As many of you know (I hope), the early decision deadline is only a week and a half away. If you intend to apply early decision you better be finishing your applications now!
Early decision is a great option if you're absolutely certain that Cornell is your primary choice. I decided to apply early decision last year and was so relieved to find out in December. However, it took a lot of work to finish my application by November 1st. In fact, I remember taking the SATs for the last time on the Early Decision application deadline and still not being done with my application. I think it was so worth it though. It was great knowing in December and not having to worry about additional essays, applications, forms and the like. It was also great knowing because Cornell was my absolute top choice, and so I was able to begin planning my transition from high school to college ahead of time.
It is important that you know that Cornell is your top choice if you decide to apply early decision because it is a commitment; You can only apply to one early decision school and you must withdraw other applications if you are accepted.
One question many applicants have been asking is: "when is the absolute latest I can take the SAT if I'm applying early decision?" The answer is November. You can take the SATs in November and still apply early decision, just make sure the CollegeBoard sends your scores electronically when they are available.
If you intend to apply regular decision you should still be working on your applications. Deadlines are approaching and it's always a good idea to give yourself time to revise your applications, and essays. You want to make the best possible impression with your application, therefore you should put in your very best into them.
As always if you have any questions, you're free to leave a message and I'll answer ASAP.
Stay frosty,
Darlin
Freshman Year Classes
Hi,
Today I would like to talk about typical freshman year classes. As an engineering freshman you should expect to take four classes each semester(though you can take more if you wish) .
First, you have to take a math course. Typically freshmen take either Math 1910 (Calculus for Engineers) or Math 1920 (Multivariable Calculus for Engineers). The Math course you take will depend on previous credits you have, including AP credit or college credit ( or if you place out of a class by taking a departmental test). If you complete Math 1920 you will then take Math 2930(Differential Equations) or Math 2940 (Linear Algebra).
As part of the core requirements, everyone must also take at least 4 science classes. During your freshman year you typically take Chemistry (a definite if you're pre-med or select majors such as Chemical Engineering), and a Physics class (Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism, or Optics) . Again, you might manage to place out of some of these courses using AP credit or other type of credit.
Another technical course you take as a freshman is either a computer science class or an intro to engineering class. You may place out of the Computer Science class using AP credit. The intro to engineering class serves as a class to expose you to the different engineering disciplines while the intro computer science class serves to expose you to programming. You would typically take the intro to computer science class one semester and the intro to engineering class the other semester.
Finally, you complete your freshman year by taking two writing seminars. These classes are typically very small and are different from a normal English class. Writing seminars often belong to a department other than the English department. For example, currently I'm taking a writing seminar that is in the Government department and we're learning about causes of war, while improving our writing. This allows you to take a writing seminar that you're
truly interested in and allows you to become a better writer.
Well, that's all I have to say about classes for now. Again, if you have any questions leave a comment and I respond in a very timely manner.
There's a first time for everything
Hi there,Before I begin, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Darlin and I am currently a freshman in the College of Engineering at Cornell. I am currently interested in Computer Science and ECE (Electrical and Computer Engineering, which is one major), even though I don't declare my major until next year (right now I'm mostly taking core engineering classes). I am from New York City but also enjoy Ithaca (most of the time). Finally, I also happen to work at the Engineering Admissions office.Well, as the title of this post implies, I will be talking about firsts. The last month was full of many firsts. Some of these firsts include "first time waking up 20 minutes before class", "first time taking an hour-and-a-half long exam at night" and "first time I met someone that comes from 9,531 miles away (Singapore)". Other firsts include "first time choosing a significant portion of my classes", "first 2-class day", "first time I could play ping-pong at 2am" and "first time eating delicious Cornell Dairy ice cream". Essentially, the last month has been full of experiences unique to attending a world-class university like Cornell. Not only have these experiences been eye-opening, they've also been very fun.Another first I failed to mention, which happens to be a little surreal for me, is that this is my first blog post. Ordinarily, that wouldn't be very bizarre by itself, but it is bizarre simply because a year ago I began reading these very blogs. So writing a blog post instead of reading one is a little weird. At the same time I enjoy it because it means I get to help prospective students like YOU and people who are generally interested in the College of Engineering!That's all I have to say about firsts for now. It's very likely they'll be many more as my freshman year unfolds. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment.
