[mturmon]

Culturally, Cornell has always been a place that concentrates on theory and enduring research questions. After Cornell I spent time at Caltech and the difference in values and focus is large indeed. It seems every Caltech engineering/science faculty either has co-founded a tech company (successful or not), or is involved in experimental validation of some of their ideas.

I always thought the reason for Cornell's culture is mainly your point 0 - isolation from the Real World and from Money. The hippie vibe of Ithaca might also play a part. But the reason actually does not matter.

It might be best to go along with this current for your time there. Play to its strengths. Or, as amoore notes, you can find a niche, like in the Theory Center, where applications are more in the front.

Incidentally, I don't share your feelings in your point 2. But, I was in EE (a separate silo?)