Meet Michael Rim, a Cornell Precollege Studies commuter student

by Shelley Preston,
SCE News, July 30, 2024

Name: Michael Rim, a rising junior at Stevenson High School in Pebble Beach, CA

How did you learn about Cornell’s Precollege commuter program?

I wanted to take a subject related to the major I want to do into college, which is electrical engineering. I did some research, found some classes that were offered at Cornell this summer, and chose one that best suited my interest and applied.

You and your mom came all the way from California so you could attend Precollege in person as a commuter. What interested you in coming to Ithaca to take a course in person instead of one online?

I really wanted the opportunity to participate in the summer program in person rather than online. I felt it would be a much more rewarding if I could experience life on campus and everything that's around it. I wanted to see what it would be like to actually study and live here at Cornell. My mom and I rented a place in town so I could walk to campus [A parent or guardian must live with the student off campus in order to be considered for the Precollege commuter program].

What is the name of your course and who is your instructor?

I’m taking Calculus for Engineers (MATH 1910), a six-week, four-credit course taught by Matthew Haulmark.

What is Dr. Haulmark like as a teacher?

I thought the course could be harsh, but the way he teaches the course is nice. He explains the concepts in concise and easy ways. As for questions, he's really open and helpful. The class is pretty small, so he’s easy to access. What I really like most about the course is that we focus on a lot of practical problem solving at the end of each lecture in class and it’s great interacting with my professor.

Have you been to Ithaca before? What have you been doing here outside of class?

This is my first time to Ithaca. I've been to New York City before, but never here. I’ve enjoyed walking around the campus and getting to know the school a little more in that way. My sister, who is visiting me from Massachusetts, and I, went to this basin area [Treman State Park] to swim—that was really nice. Today I am taking a guided tour of Cornell with my mom. I also had the opportunity to join one of the engineering undergraduate admissions information sessions and had lunch with [the Willis H. Carrier Professor Emeritus in Cornell Engineering] Donald Bartel, who I understand helped to set-up the Biomedical Engineering program at Cornell.

So, you are interested in applying to Cornell Engineering?

Yes, but I’ve just only started thinking about where I want to go to college. It’s definitely a place to reach for.

What advice would you give others who want to be commuter students?

I'd say it can be hard but also a lot of fun. I would say to use the resources here, like the library, your professors—talk to them, get to know them. Talk to your peers as well, they can be great if you are confused about something or need help. They may have different perspectives where you can get a whole new understanding of questions or answers presented in class.

Interested in being a commuter student with Cornell’s Precollege Studies? High school students living with a parent/guardian within commuting distance of Ithaca can request approval to take regular Cornell courses on the Ithaca campus during the fall, spring, or summer terms though Cornell’s School of Continuing Education (SCE).

The commuter program is an unparalleled opportunity for high school students to study a new subject with Cornell faculty, challenge themselves with a college-level class, enhance their college application, and earn college credits with a parent/guardian within commuting distance of Ithaca.

Grades and credits earned are recorded on an official Cornell transcript and are generally transferable toward a degree at Cornell or elsewhere.

Learn more about the commuter program and other academic programs for high school students at Cornell through the Precollege Studies website.