Alright I'm Really Torn

Colleges and Universities A-Z Cornell University
1

<p>So, I had my heart set on applying ED to NYU Stern for a long time. After reevaluating what I wanted to do with my left and what grad school I want to go to (a potential law school), econ. at cornell's cas is seeming like a way better option. The problem is while I felt that I was a somewhat competitive candidate for Stern, I feel the caliber of Cornell's applicant pool blows me out of the water. If I was to apply ED, what sort of chance would I stand?</p>

<p>Location: Texas
College Class Year: 2015
High School: Public
High School Type: I'm part of my high school's first graduating class. The other high school in my district has had top kids go to ivies and other top schools every year. </p>

<p>Academics:</p>

<p>GPA - Unweighted: 3.78 (On the A=4.0=93-100, A-=3.7=90-92...scale)
If Cornell uses the A=90-100... scale, I'll have a 3.88.
Class Rank: top 8% (9/118)
Class Size: 118</p>

<p>Poor Grades: 5 B's, 13 A-'s (90-93), and 18 A's and A+'s(94-100).</p>

<p>8th Grade (two high school level classes taken, they factor into my GPA and are on my transcript)</p>

<p>Spanish 95/97
Algebra 1 97/97</p>

<p>9th grade
English GT 90/91
Spanish Pre AP 94/94
Geometry GT 88/90
Biology GT 90/92
AP Human Geography 89/88</p>

<p>10th Grade (Different school in same district, no AP's offered this year):
English Pre AP 91/92
World History Pre AP 91/92
Chemistry Pre AP 87/92
Algebra 2 Pre AP 90/92
Spanish Pre AP 84/92</p>

<p>11 Grade
AP English 95/96
AP Physics 94/98
AP US History 95/96
Pre AP Precal 94/98
Community College Psychology 99
Community College Government 99
Spanish Pre AP 94/97</p>

<p>Scores: SAT 3rd Time (not superscored)</p>

<p>SAT I Math: 770
SAT I Critical Reading: 790
SAT I Writing: 690
SAT M+CR Composite: 1560
SAT Overall: 2250</p>

<p>Extracurriculars:</p>

<p>Significant Extracurriculars:
Varsity Engineering: First Robotics Competition [11,12]
JETS Club [9,11,12]
Interact Club [11,12]
Red Cross Club [11,12]
Community Service Club [11,12]
Spanish Honor Society [11,12]
Job Shadowing (40+ Hours By Graduation)
NHS</p>

<p>Leadership positions:
Co-founder/vice president of my school's Spanish Honor society chapter</p>

<p>Volunteer/Service Work:
100-200 Hours By Application Time, Depends on how things go-
Various local volunteering activities
Reagan Wells Ranch Restoration Project
Children's' Medical Center Summer Volunteer Program</p>

<p>Honors and Awards:
National Merit Commended
Distinguished Academic Award (in school)
Reagan Wells Ranch Restoration Participant Award (given for working with a UN recognized organization to restore a historic ranch)</p>

2

<p>I think you should apply RD. As you said, you loved NYU Stern - don’t you still want to leave that option open? ED is for people who are 100% sure they want to and CAN attend Cornell. Will you apply for FA? If FA is necessary, I wouldn’t apply ED (though Cornell does have fabulous FA policies and you would probably be fine).
I would say your GPA/SATs are pretty comparable to other Cornell applicants. However, a lot of emphasis is often placed on leadership, which you seem to be somewhat lacking(of course, this may just be because your HS is new). Try to apply for some leadership positions your senior year if they look like fun!
I was accepted to both NYU (Stern) and Cornell (Hotel School). I will be attending Cornell in the fall. I was so sure I wanted to apply ED to Cornell, but I ended up not so I can weigh FA offers and other offers of admission. Consider this before applying ED.
Best of luck! Let me know if you have any other questions!</p>

3

<p>Hey, thanks a lot for the well thought out response. At this point, needing FA is not a huge problem. I really do like Stern, but I’m worried that doing econ. in a business school will make law school admissions look down on me. That’s why cornell is such a strong prospect right now. Another thing about my school is it revolves heavily around leadership. It uses the project based learning format, and we’re basically grouped together for several( and I mean several projects) throughout the year. I know it’s not anything major, but I’ve a been a leader in several of my groups. What you said makes a lot of sense though, and I might just ED to stern.</p>

4

<p>From what I understand, admission to top law schools depends on your GPA and LSAT, and not so much your school or major. Is NYU Law ( a very top law school) really going to look down on an NYU undergraduate degree?</p>

<p>Go, or try to go , to the UG school that you really love.</p>

<p>And, I think you have the stats for Cornell. I am not sure you can convince Cornell you have the love or fit if it is not really your first choice.</p>

5

<p>I was stuck in the exact same spot this year and ended up choosing Cornell after visiting both campuses. If you want you can PM me.</p>