Dear Dyson Applicant,
Hello!
My name is Joanna LaTorre and I am a rising junior in Cornell’s Dyson School of Business concentrating in Finance with a minor in Performing and Media Arts. Originally from Satellite Beach Florida, my exposure to the business world began at an early age. My father is an online business owner and my mother is a VP of audit, so a business mindset was instilled in me early on. A simulation investing game in my high school business program solidified my interests in pursuing a career in financial services, leading me to the campus I now call home.
Immediately upon visiting Cornell during Dyson Days, I knew it was the place for me. The welcoming personalities of Dyson Undergraduate Council members and enthusiasm of Professor Pedro Perez were already enough for me to enroll, but Dyson continued to impress throughout the trip. If you’re on the fence if Dyson is right for you, here are a few reasons why I love it:
Prestige:
When you step inside of Warren Hall, it’s hard not to notice the glitz and glam of the modern building features, gorgeous small classrooms, and various student lounge areas. I remember first entering the building and being in awe of everything—I could almost feel the prestige in the air. Dyson students are some of the brightest and most driven students from around the world, which is the exact environment I wanted to be in for college. Aside from being one of the top undergraduate business programs in the country, the Dyson school is also well-known by large employers for being one of the country’s most difficult programs to get accepted to. When you step outside of Warren Hall, you’re still in the Ivy League and learning from one of the world’s best universities. Cornell is a campus filled with beautiful architecture, history, and motivated students of any study. We have an incredible network of alumni and impressive, passionate faculty members who are always willing to go above and beyond to help students succeed.
Student Life:
Dyson is one of the smallest, most selective 4-year undergraduate programs in the United States. Thus, you get to know your classmates and professors pretty well. Our community is unparalleled across the country due to its diversity and collaborative nature. Study groups are common, and students are very supportive of each other’s pursuits and passions. After speaking with students who transferred to Dyson from the University of Michigan, NYU, and other schools, I’ve heard this sentiment reiterated. Dyson culture is truly unbeatable. In addition, since the program is both part of CALS and the SC Johnson schools, students have the opportunity to gain a more well-rounded education and take graduate school courses if interested. I found the CALS aspect particularly appealing, as I did not want to spend my entire 4 years only taking business-focused classes. By taking courses to fulfill CALS requirements, including Introduction to Oceanography, I’ve developed a passion for saving the environment and friendships with students outside of my major (though several of my best friends are in Dyson).
Convenience:
The average Dyson student’s homework load is pretty bearable, as professors understand business students tend to be very involved in campus organizations, athletics, Greek Life, and networking. Dyson students can study in Warren Hall, grab food from Mandibles between classes, and study at Mann Library all without stepping outside once. Since I am from Florida, this was a comforting aspect as I braced myself for my first Ithaca winter. The Ag quad is also one of the shortest distances from freshman year dorms, which is nice for those adjusting to a large campus. For New York residents, a Dyson education is also less expensive than other Cornell programs due to the land grant opportunity of CALS. We have direct bus rides to New York City from Cornell as well, allowing us to attend networking opportunities and interviews in the city before returning to the quieter Ithaca to focus and study.
Clearly, there is a lot to love about Dyson. The program has allowed me to become the best version of myself academically, professionally, and personally—I couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else. Don’t just take it from me though, I highly encourage you to visit and see it for yourself. Hopefully, you end up loving it as much as I do!
Sincerely,
Joanna LaTorre
