Name:  Michael Kim, 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 wanted be in person rather than online. I think it’s interesting to experience the campus itself and everything that's around it. I feel like it makes it a better experience since I want to see what it would be like to actually study here at Cornell. My mom and I rented an Airbnb in town so I can 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...

Read the rest of the Q&A here.