By Ava Betnar
“Which Harry Potter house are you?”
It’s a question we have all been asked at some point or another. One’s house is a testament to their character — whether they are the courageous Gryffindor, kind Hufflepuff, smart Ravenclaw or cunning Slytherin. It’s a very important distinction.
The Sorting Hat of the Harry Potter universe assigns students to each of the four houses based on their personal qualities and desires. Similarly, at Cornell, each of us belongs to the college that best represents our interests, values and goals. So, what house would students from each of Cornell’s colleges belong to?
Let me transport you from the wondrously wearying Cornell to the wizardly world of Hogwarts — where students drink Butterbeer (not Celsius), ride brooms (not scooters) and use wands (not Apple iPad pencils). As Cornell’s honorary Sorting Hat, “there’s nothing hidden in your head the Sorting Hat can’t see, so try me on and I will tell you where you ought to be.” (And for the record — no, not everyone will be Ravenclaw.)
Gryffindor
Gryffindor is one of the most popular houses, considering Harry Potter himself belongs to it. Gryffindors are bold, daring and adventurous. They have courage in their convictions and are not afraid to speak up for themselves, others or their beliefs. Pride and loyalty are two of their most defining traits.
The School of Industrial and Labor Relations? Better be…GRYFFINDOR! ILRies are advocates and leaders. They work tirelessly to support individuals, organizations, economies and communities. Like Gryffindors, they stand firm in their commitment to justice and equity.
The Brooks School of Public Policy also embodies the values of Gryffindor. With many being politically active and involved, students in Brooks are passionate about advocating for the rights of others. As future leaders, politicians, doctors and lawyers, they are strong-willed and devoted to service.
Hufflepuff
Although often perceived as the most “boring” of the four houses (seeing as few significant characters belong to it), Puffs have an unmatched sense of character. They are hard workers and model teammates, characterized by their integrity, kindness, reliability and respect — in general, they’re well-rounded and wholesome people.
Unmistakably, students of the College of Human Ecology are Puffs. They are driven by the mission to improve human lives by contributing to causes greater than themselves. Human Ecologists are deeply committed to their communities and to each other, making them model Hufflepuffs.
As literal leaders in hospitality, students of the Nolan School of Hotel Administration are also Puffs. Hotelies have strong interpersonal relationship skills and value collaboration. In service to others, they strive to make positive contributions to people, industries and society.
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences upholds Hufflepuff’s sense of community. Students in CALS work together across disciplines to improve the environment, animals, food systems and human lives. Their research not only stems out of curiosity, but also from the desire to positively impact the world.
Ravenclaw
Ravenclaws are known as the “smart ones.” However, there is more to them than just wit. They are passionate, creative and curious problem-solvers with a deep passion for their craft. As you can see, Cornell as a whole embodies many of these virtues (on a scale from one to ten, the University may be nine and three-quarters Ravenclaw).
The College of Arts and Sciences is home to the intellectually curious. Students major, double major or even triple major across a diverse range of disciplines, whether that be philosophy, language, astrobiology, anthropology, Earth and atmospheric sciences or government — wherever their passions take them! They carry an open mind when exploring courses and ideas.
Students in the College of Architecture, Art and Planning are among the most creative and artistically inclined at Cornell. They are visionary thinkers — imaginative, innovative, expressive and inspired. Like Ravenclaw, AAP pushes boundaries to transform the spaces they occupy, whether that be a canvas, a city, a model or a new design.
Slytherin
Slytherin is notorious for being the most “evil” of the houses, with notable former student “He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.” But there is more to Slytherin than just dark magic. Slytherins are ambitious, cunning, resourceful and achievement-oriented, driven by the desire to succeed (again, many similarities to Cornell as a whole).
Without a doubt, the College of Engineering belongs to Slytherin. Engineers are incredibly competitive and intense — both in their classes and on project teams. They are driven by the desire to secure that summer internship and land among the upper half of the bell curve. Inherently, engineers are resourceful, seeking to innovate in practical and creative ways.
The Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management is another quintessential Slytherin. Students in Dyson are the ultimate networkers, taking advantage of every opportunity that comes their way. They have sharp leadership instincts and are shrewd, confident, proud and strategic. Their ambition knows no bounds.
Ava Betnar is a first-year in the College of Human Ecology. She can be reached at aab323@cornell.edu.
