<p>Well, as you can probably tell from my post count, I am a nooby--but I have been lurking for quite some time lol</p>
<p>Anyway, my main dilemma is about Cornell's score policy:</p>
<p>I'm applying for CAS, and my essay is about my love of computer science--but that isn't necessarily the major I want to pursue. It is simply an area of interest that I felt I could write well on.
My first question: is the computer science major more competitive?
My second question is then obvious: do they put more weight on my math SAT scores in that case? I ask because my score situation is frustrating. I have a 34 ACT on first take, but with the SAT I was always nervous / whatever and my first math score was 640. Later, I took it once more (final take) and brought it up to 710. My mathII is 730.
The thing is, I don't feel that the math scores represent my abilities, I skipped a grade (in the subject) during sophomore year and I actively enjoy learning about math. In fact, I'm considering minoring in the subject. So I guess the penultimate question is, should I submit all SAT tests (2 totall) like Cornell asks? Or can I just submit ACT (as it says, one or the other)</p>
<p>Should I change my essay / intended major? I'm sorry that was so jam-packed with questions and rambling statements lol</p>
<p>Your help is greatly appreciated.
Oh, and what is the value of a recommendation by a math teacher as opposed to scores etc.</p>
<p>CAS does not differentiate applicants based on prospective major.</p>
<p>You are evaluated and admitted solely based on your abilities and varied interest and fit with the college as a whole. Meaning no, computer science is not more competitive to get into. If you are admitted, you will be officially undecided (as everyone coming into Arts and Sciences will be) until you declare your major in your sophomore year.</p>
<p>Also, you are mistaken: Cornell will take either the ACT or SAT I, but requires 2 SAT IIs in addition to either the ACT or SAT I.</p>
<p>Thanks for the info, so you are saying that I can submit just ACT even though I HAVE TAKEN the SAT? I’m confused when they say one must submit all scores–or is that only with respect to the test I chose?</p>
<p>@thevicfung - you are not even IN a major when you come to Cornell. Everyone is undecided in CAS until they declare a major in sophomore year.</p>
<p>@CalabiYau - Yes, even though you have taken the SAT I, you can choose to just submit the ACT. But then you must remember to also submit your SAT IIs regardless of whether you choose to submit SAT I or ACT.</p>
<p>^Obviously I was referring to switching from the one you chose originally in the commonapp. If you can write a good essay about your major, and it gets you in, great, you can always declare a different one.</p>
<p>I’m also applying for Computer Science at CAS! I’ve got almost the same dilemma as you, 'cept I skipped a grade in math in 8th grade, and I did worse on the Math II test (680). Our schools pretty much don’t even acknowledge the existence of SAT tests, much less subject tests, so I ended up taking the Math II test when I’ve nearly forgotten a huge knowledge. </p>
<p>Does anyone know how much weight CAS puts into subject tests? My normal SAT is pretty decent (1470/1600, 2210/2400) and my essays and ECs are also pretty strong. I’ve written a great essay about comp sci, but I’m afraid, like the OP, that they’re gonna see this great passion for the major, but not the math stats to back it up.</p>
<p>Hi Calabi, I think you should be fine. I too applied with a supplement essay oriented around my CS experience with lower than superb SAT scores. I got in, so I believe that you would be fine.</p>