Am I on the right track?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Cornell University
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<p>Hi! First of all, I'm new, so I'm not sure if this is the correct forum to put this thread in, so if this isn't the right place, I'm sorry! >_< </p>

<p>Note**- I put this (I think by mistake) in the Cornell 2011 section. Sorry!</p>

<p>Secondly, I've been visiting this site a lot and recently registered. I know it's a bit too early to ask this (because I'm in the middle of my junior year), but can anyone be kind enough to tell me if I am on the right track for Cornell University and what I should work on? I want to apply to the College for Arts/Sciences because I want to major in Biochemistry.</p>

<p>I'm an first generation Asian (Pakistani/Afghan) American living in a VERY homogeneous and small town with 99% of its population being Caucasian (literally).
Class rank: Top 10% (I'm sure, if not 15%)
GPA (weighted): 3.87 (so far, hopefully it will be higher after this semester passes)
SAT II: Biology: 670 (a bit low)
I plan to take the SAT II Physics, English, and US History this year, and more next year (in November or around there)</p>

<p>I haven't taken my SAT's yet, but I will in March. I hope to aim for a 2100 or above (out of my first and second try, I hope to achieve that), so wish me luck!</p>

<p>AP classes:</p>

<p>AP Biology
AP European History
AP Physics B
AP Language and Composition
AP Statistics
AP US History
For senior year:
AP Economics
AP Government
AP Calc AB (not sure yet)
AP Literature and Composition
AP Physics C (not sure yet)
AP Chemistry</p>

<p>Extracurricular Activities (not exactly sure how good these are)-</p>

<p>I've worked at a family business for two years
Volunteer work at a nursing home for 30 hours
Multicultural Club (President) for 3 years so far
Anime Club (xD) for 2 years (until it died out)
Math Team (this year)
Science Olympiads (this year)
Academic Quiz Bowl (this year)
Badminton (this year)
Track (this year)
Math Honor Society (there are two other honor societies, but there have been some problems with them over all in my school)</p>

<p>With this year and next year together, I would be in Multicultural for 4 years, and everything else for two years.</p>

<p>I'm also planning to volunteer at GuideDog, which is a foundation that provides dogs for blind people. By the end of this summer, I hope to achieve about 300+ hours of volunteer work.</p>

<p>I know that in retrospect, my over all status might not be good, but I am willing to work on it. I'm not sure about early decision for Cornell because I am entering the Intel/Siemen's Science Competition and if I do (hopefully!) win some sort of recognition, it will be too late to write that down in ED. But I guess I can do that for RD..</p>

<p>My other chances with this university lies in writing good essays.</p>

<p>So, would anyone be kind enough to tell me what I should improve on, or if my chances are too low for Cornell so far? Thanks! ^^</p>

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<p>!! Sorry, I made a mistake. I meant I want to apply to CALS**</p>

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<p>Take the SAT Biology Subject Test again at the end of this year. Your score will probably go up with everything you've learned in AP Biology.</p>

<p>Also, for CALS (though not CAS), you need a math SAT Subject Test. The Math Level II test is heavily focused on precalculus. It sounds as though you took that course in 10th grade. You may have forgotten stuff. It might be a good idea to get some review books and study before you take the test. (If you apply to CAS, which is also a perfectly good place for biochemistry, don't bother with the math test. You don't need a math test for CAS. Take the SAT Subject Test in U.S. History instead. It's extremely similar to the multiple choice section of the AP U.S. History test, so you wouldn't have to do any extra studying.)</p>

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<p>Thanks Marian! I will take the Biology SAT II over again, and will consider taking the Math II SAT II (asking my guidance counselor and etc). Otherwise, is there anything else I need to work on? Extracurriculars, grades? Or are those on the right track?</p>

<p>I know I need more leadership-type extracurriculars, so this summer I might be joining a summer program for Operation Smile (it's like a medical organization offering medical care for the cleft lip for those who cannot afford it around the world). That might count, and I'm looking forward to probably teach Sunday school too as well.</p>

<p>Any other insights? It would be greatly appreciated!</p>

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<p>CALS doesn't require SAT IIs, but a large percentage of the students who apply to the more competitive majors (i.e. biology in your case) do take them. I agree with Marian - since they will see your biology scores and you want to major in bio with a concentration in biochemistry - you probably want to show mastery. </p>

<p>Did you read the FAQ?

[quote]
Do I need to take the SAT Subject Tests?</p>

<p>The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences does not require SAT Subject Tests. We do recommend, however, that if you plan to submit these exams in support of your application, that you take an SAT Subject Test in a science and in Mathematics (any level).</p>

<p>Students who do not submit scores are not penalized in the admissions process.

[/quote]
</p>

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<p>Ah, I see. Thank you for the information.</p>

<p>Unfortunately, I have been so stressed with colleges (even if I'm half way through junior year). I will do more of my own research..thanks ^^</p>