During the colder, darker and duller parts of the semester, there isn’t much to cheer up the average Cornellian. However, with Valentine's Day approaching this Friday, many are eagerly awaiting the results of the annual Perfect Match survey.
Founded in 2019 in an attempt to reduce isolation on campus, Perfect Match is a matchmaking survey connecting students to their ideal partner as determined by an algorithm.
According to Perfect Match’s 2024 statistics, 3983 Cornellians filled out the survey last year which is a fourth of the student body. Within last year's Match survey statistics they also share demographic information answering questions such as a students “Rice Purity score” by state, what the most important love language is by gender and daily sleep duration by major. These questions are arguably some of the most pressing facts about Cornellians and it is very interesting to see how others would answer it.
As of Tuesday, February 11, 4212 students have filled out this year's survey. The survey asks a variety of different questions ranging from relationship tendencies and personality to fun Cornell questions like “What club is the biggest red flag?” and “What Cornell hill would you die on?”
When asked about his favorite moment from filling out the survey, Mason Peterson ’28 noted, “It was really nice to have Cornell-specific questions, which made the event seem more personal to our community.” After submitting their responses, participants will receive a list of partners on campus that match the best with their personalities and interests.
Results for the matchmaking survey will be released this Thursday, a day before the start of February Break. While many students will be off-campus to open their results, many will be on campus to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
Staying on campus could be boring because of the lack of people on campus, but you could make the most of it with one of your matches with these unique spots near campus. Not on campus for February Break?
No worries, take your match to these spots after break.
- Purity Ice Cream
The premise of being matched by a dating survey to meet someone considered to be your “perfect” person is scary. But, if you’re looking for an atmosphere that is always busy, always popular and doesn’t scream ideal partner, then Purity is the place to go. Ice cream is always a guaranteed, good first date option, but throw in a Cornell favorite spot and a relaxed environment and you can guarantee a good first match date. Plus, with plenty of seating and a relaxed crowd, it’s the perfect spot to test the waters of your Perfect Match without feeling like you’re in a rom-com gone wrong.
- Johnson Museum of Art
If you’re looking for low-stakes, in-expensive date spot (with easy access to running away from your match) then the Johnson Museum, located on the Arts Quad, is the place for you. If you accidentally match with someone you dislike (which is a real possibility), then staying on campus is probably the move. Overall the spot is artsy and allows you to enjoy cool exhibitions and get to know your match. Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Tuesday through Sunday, it’s also an easy location to meet your match in person. Plus, the exhibitions are free. I would recommend strolling through the museum and then stopping by Green Dragon for a quick coffee break. While meeting your Perfect Match on campus could be a little odd, if you’re unsure and uncommitted to your possibly perfect, possibly complicated match, then this is a great option.
- Botanist Coffeehouse
This is a cute coffee shop located in Fall Creek. A trek from campus, this cafe is definitely worth the stop with its amazing plant-themed decor and refreshing atmosphere. Serving up coffee and pastries, this spot could make for a sweet coffee date. This is an ideal spot for those who match on a lot of interests and ideas with their date. If you matched purely on physical traits, or questions such as similar “Rice Purity” scores, this may not be the place for you.
- Thompson and Bleeker
Do you really want to make an impression on your match? Thompson and Bleeker, an iconic Cornell date venue, cooks up amazing Italian food perfect for a romantic, formal dinner. Just make sure to arrive promptly at 5 p.m. to acquire your table, especially on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday night. If you think your perfect match is all that perfect, then by all means, this is the place to go. Just be careful, worst case scenario you embarrass yourself when the place is packed and you have no backup plan. But, if you listed “food” as one of your three important interests, this is definitely worth the wait.
- Koko
A sit-down Korean restaurant in Collegetown, Koko could make for a casual and easy date with your match. Koko serves up good, hot food suited for everyone’s taste. Plus it’s perfect for the cold, February weather. If you are looking for a convenient commute and an easy laid back dinner option, this is a good place to go.
Now, if any of these places sound uninteresting to you that is probably because your Perfect Match intentions misalign with the date-style premise of matching. That begs the question, how many of the 4212 that have filled out the form do have this same intention? Will these spots be filled with Cornellians waiting for the date to end and be moved elsewhere. While the intent of most students filling out the survey can be debated, either way these places are great options.
Overall all of these spots make for an easy, fun get-to-know date with your potential Perfect Match. While you may be apprehensive about reaching out to your date and meeting up with someone you barely even know, making the first move and suggesting to schedule a date could be your ticket to a future successful relationship.
Even if you or your Perfect Match aren’t planning to meet your match or not looking for a committed, serious relationship, going on a little date is an amazing way to spice up your February Break or the following weeks.
Sanika Saraf is a first-year in the School of Industrial and Labor Relations. She can be reached at ss4353@cornell.edu.
