Cornell CALS vs. CAS
Hello,
I was a recent transfer admit to the agriculture/life sciences school, and people are saying that's super mickey compared to the "legit" schools like engineering and CAS because at first glance it looks like farm studies + is known to take a lot of transfers. Do you think it's worth to grind out the internal transfer to arts/sci (I can't do it to Dyson unfortunately) to beat the bad looks, or (hopefully) am I wrong and all of Cornell gets the same OCR with no discrimination? Please let me know and thanks!
Based on the most helpful WSO content, Cornell CALS (College of Agriculture and Life Sciences) is not necessarily a disadvantage for breaking into investment banking or other high finance roles, especially if you leverage the resources available. While CALS may have a reputation for being more transfer-friendly and less rigorous compared to CAS (College of Arts and Sciences) or Dyson, it still provides access to Cornell's robust alumni network and on-campus recruiting (OCR), which are key for landing finance roles.
If you're aiming for investment banking, your major within CALS can make a difference. For example, majors with quantitative or analytical components may be viewed more favorably. Additionally, networking, internships, and maintaining a strong GPA will matter more than the specific college within Cornell.
As for an internal transfer to CAS, it could be worth considering if you believe the CAS curriculum aligns better with your career goals or if you feel it would provide a stronger foundation for your aspirations. However, keep in mind that the process can be competitive and time-consuming, potentially detracting from other important activities like networking and internships.
Ultimately, all of Cornell benefits from the same OCR opportunities, and success in recruiting often comes down to how well you utilize those resources, your networking efforts, and your ability to stand out as a candidate. If you stay in CALS, focus on excelling academically, building relationships with alumni, and gaining relevant experience to mitigate any perceived disadvantages.
Sources: What's OCR like at your school?, My Experience Recruiting as an Undergrad for Everything vs WSO Wisdom, How does Opt-in Pass/Fail look for IB Recruiting?, Cornell vs. USC vs. Michigan, How important is your undergrad reputation?
You're overthinking the CALS vs. CAS optics. OCR at Cornell doesn't discriminate by college - don't let Dyson/Econ kids convince you otherwise.
Whether you're in CALS, CAS, Engineering, or even Hotel, recruiters aren't filtering based on college, especially once you get to the interview stage. What matters far more is the totality of your profile: GPA, internships, networking, and how well you can talk shop in the interview.
The choice between CALS and CAS should come down to two things 1) what you're genuinely interested in studying and 2) how strategically you want to optimize for outcomes. You can optimize for:
Networking? Has zero to do with major. Alumni respond because you go to Cornell, not because you're in CAS over CALS.
Internships? Far more valuable than GPA once you're past 3.75+ (less for hard majors). Prior exposure to relevant industries or deal experience matter way more IMO.
One thing I would caution against is overestimating the value of the business/finance frats and clubs, Having been a part of a couple, I can tell you only a small number give any real edge in the process (although this isn't guaranteed). Most function as echo chambers for people with 3 months of experience handing out "advice." It's selection bias at best - these orgs are selective and only accept hardo kids who likely would've broken in anyway. They also encourage groupthink (IB/Consulting aren't the only careers in this industry).
Happy to chat more if you have questions. All the best!
Thanks a lot! So if I understand correctly, even HumEc gets the same OCR and even clubs don't look down on CALS? I heard it gets a bad rap as the least rigorous school and easy for transfers.
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