<p>So, Cornell was my first choice out of high school. But I got waitlisted. Grades were good, was valedictorian, over 2100 SAT... so I was a bit disappointed, but life goes on.</p>
<p>Now I'm a sophomore (second year) at UVa. After year 1 (and 32 credits), I've maintained a 3.8 with my major in Mechanical Engineering- and a declared minor in Aero. </p>
<p>Anyway, I'm not trying to get into Cornell because it's an IVy... not because any of that prestige stuff... I want to go there because people there share my interest. I love automobiles more than anything. I love engineering. I've known I wanted to be a MechE since I was 10. I started the car club at UVa. While we've a few members, I just wish there were more people who shared my passion... </p>
<p>Cornell has a great E school, and it has a Formula SAE team. They've got a larger engineering program, meaning more opportunities. UVa is a great school, but the E school is a bit small for my tastes.</p>
<p>Anyway, I was debating transferring there for my junior year, but I really don't want to be let down again by 'nell. I know I'd do well at Cornell, and that's what the admission team theoretically looks for: a student who'll do well, but I've been turned down before, so I'm hesitant. Maybe I'll wait till grad school. What do you recommend?</p>
<p>I was rejected by Cornell the first time I applied and successfully transferred in as a sophomore. If Cornell is really where you want to be, then you’ve got nothing to lose by applying as a transfer.</p>
<p>I would highly suggest applying. Cornell engineering doesn’t accept very many transfers, but someone with your stats, background, and passion definitely has a shot.</p>
<p>Also, you should look at Baja SAE instead of Formula; only one of those is actually winning lately (I’ll give you a hint, it’s not FSAE)</p>
<p>It really is moneyp. A great school with a great atmosphere. I would recommend UVa to 99 out of 100 students. It’s such a good fit for so many people. I am, unfortunately, that 1 student to whom I wouldn’t necessarily recommend UVa. </p>
<p>I’m an engineer at heart. I’m the student who just wants to be in the presence of people who make jokes about coefficients of thermal expansion and slip planes (there are some here, don’t get me wrong). I want to be around people who spend hours every single day researching cars or airplanes or gadgets. I’m that student who wants to be part of awesome, groundbreaking research. I want to be able to go into the basement of my MechE building and just be awestruck with the projects that students are doing. </p>
<p>UVa offers a lot, but I personally would enjoy the atmosphere of a larger E school. Some people prefer the small size, I wish I were one them, because I really hate college applications. But I know, if I were accepted, it’d be worth the painstaking application process. </p>
<p>The only problem is trying to individuate myself from other applicants, who will, undoubtedly, write about their “genuine passions.”</p>
<p>yup. I’m in baja at UVa. Wasn’t able to put too much time into it my first year to be honest- partly because not having a car made it really difficult to get to the worksite.</p>
<p>Definitely apply. Your reasons for wanting to attend Cornell are legit, you can properly articulate those reasons, and your stats are good. Apply.</p>
<p>Clearly, you are genuinely passionate about attending Cornell for all the right reasons. Just be sure to express to them what you’ve told us in this thread.</p>
<p>Apply and you’ll probably get in. The attempt to transfer in illustrates a level of dedication to Cornell and you have valid reasoning behind your decision. Go for it.</p>
<p>I concur with everyone else on the note about Baja, for the past couple years it’s been a better team to be on than FSAE.</p>
<p>Finally, be prepared for a little culture shock. Things probably wont be like UVa in both positive and negative contexts, keep that in mind.</p>
But I know, if I were accepted, it’d be worth the painstaking application process. </p>