Low gpa at ivy or high at low ranked school?

[transfer9858]

Hi !

I wanted to know if you could help me out with a question. I recently got accepted to Cornell University and in the long run would love to go for an mba at a top school. I have 2 choices, I can go to cornell- but I am very nervous about the grading. I know my strengths and they are not academics... i have to work 100 times harder than others just to do well and i honestly think il come out with around a 3.4 3.5 max if i go... however i can go to a local low ranked college, a much easier school, get a 3.9+ gpa, and really concentrate on my extra currics and study for gmat... which option would u think is better for a top mba? Also If i dont go to cornell or top school i heard im basically giving up a chance for ib. Thanks so much!

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear transfer9858,

Congratulations on your admission to Cornell and the local college! I think you need to go to the school that you feel is the best fit for you, not where you think you can achieve higher grades. You don't know how your grades will be at any school until you get there; you could do just as well at Cornell as anywhere else. There are many advantages to Cornell, just as there probably are to the local college. What you need to determine is which institution is best for you based on what you want from your college experience and what you want to study.

Good luck,
Lisa