Meet Ruoyi Ma, a Cornell Precollege Studies commuter student

by Shelley Preston ,
SCE News , August 6, 2024

Meet Ruoyi Ma, a Cornell Precollege Studies commuter student

Name: Ruoyi (Molly) Ma, a rising junior at Saint John Vianney High School in Holmdel, NJ

What interested you in the Cornell Precollege Studies Commuter Program?

I wanted to experience the beautiful natural environment of the Cornell campus and take a course there in person.

What course did you take?

I took the six-week course BIOG 1440: Introductory Biology: Comparative Physiology with Dr. Rebecca Brady. She was very interactive and helpful with me after class. One thing I appreciated about her teaching was that she uploaded lecture videos on Canvas before class, allowing me to familiarize myself with the material beforehand.

Did you get to know any of the students in your class?

Yes, I did. Although I tend to be a shy person, as the course went through, I made several friends in my class and always ask them questions about the course.

Had you been to Ithaca before? What things did you do outside class?

This was my first time in Ithaca. I lived there (during my course) with my mom at a place we found that was close to campus. After class time, we enjoyed a lot of good food in Collegetown, visited the Ithaca Farmers Market, explored the Commons in downtown Ithaca, and hiked the Cascadilla Gorge Trail with my aunt.

Are you thinking of applying to Cornell for college?

After spending six weeks here, I found it to be a beautiful and quiet place to live, yet conveniently located with many great restaurants offering food from all over the world. So, yes, I will apply to Cornell for college.

What advice would you give to students interested in taking a course with Precollege?

I would say pay close attention in class because the course moves pretty fast and is quite intense and concentrated, and the exams are challenging. Never be afraid to ask questions.

Any other thoughts you’d like to share?

Initially, I was worried about being the only non-native English speaker in my class. I usually need to organize my thoughts before speaking, and I'm a bit shy. However, I found Cornell to be a really welcoming and diverse community, which made me feel much more comfortable. Don't be afraid to speak and express your thoughts; you got this!

Interested in being a commuter student with Cornell’s Precollege Studies? High school students who live nearby or – like Molly – plan to stay in the Ithaca area with a parent/guardian during the class period may apply to take regular Cornell courses on the Ithaca campus during the fall, spring, or summer terms.