another chance thread for those who don't mind?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Cornell University
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<p>Personally I've always liked them, I feel like I'm really bonding with someone you know? I'm kidding.
Still I don't understand the violence of some people's reactions to them (i.e. how DARE you even THINK of wasting my time with a full 40 second reading and thoughtful answer that will relieve an enormous amount of anxiety for you etc etc) especially when they react like that on the What Are My Chances forum. </p>

<p>but I'm rambling.
So:
I want to study economics and international relations,
these are my statistics:
I have a low GPA- 3.34 unweighted (health issues)</p>

<p>I got my SAT results back yesterday:</p>

<p>1540-2340 (800 CR, 740 Math, 800 writing, though I know they do not count this)
also 800 Math II C, 770 US History. Will take French and Chemistry in January.</p>

<p>I skipped a year in Math and French. Normally juniors at our high school only take one AP if they do at all, I took three:</p>

<p>exam results:</p>

<p>BC Calc 5 with 5 AB subscore
AP French 5
AP US History 5</p>

<p>National merit semifinalist, AP scholar. </p>

<p>This year's schedule</p>

<p>AP European History
AP Statistics
Discrete Mathematics at Boston University (college credit)
Seminar on Middle East that I helped organize- 4 highly motivated students, my headmaster (who will write me a letter of recommendation) and the head of the history department. At the end of the year we will publish our papers, I think I may submit my paper on Palestinian Economics to Cornell as a supplemental material.
European Literature Honors (No AP at the high school)
Second Semester I will begin study of Turkish at Harvard Extension School
(I wish to learn Hebrew, Arabic and Turkish)</p>

<p>I have gotten all As this quarter at high school. I think same will be next quarter.</p>

<p>Extracurriculars:ballroom dance at competitive level is my most important activity. Also guitar lessons, ceramic classes with a local artist, and volunteer tutoring of mathematics for 7th graders.
fluent in Russian, quite good in French.
and so,
thank you!</p>

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<p>i think the ballroom dance stuff is pretty unique...i dance too but hip-hop and contemporary. Anyways, I think the high SATs will make up for the low GPA. If you go to a really tough school, they'll just see it as grade deflation. It happens. Some people on here have amazing GPAs but low SATs and its because of grade inflation. I think you've got a great shot...GOOD LUCK</p>

3

<p>wow thank you! ( I know I'm not supposed to feel better or worse, but it's nice to have people with confidence in you)</p>

4

<p>Are you applying CAS or CALS for econ? Makes a big difference.</p>

<p>Cornell when I was applying seemed like more of a GPA oriented school in terms of admissions. Schools like Dartmouth, Penn and Brown seem to score the crazy testers in the ED rounds even if their GPAs are a bit lower. This may have something to do with the rigor of each school's programs, but I'm not sure. It just turned out that way.</p>

<p>However, I think you have a nice hook with your languages. You could have made a nice entry in your app about that. Would have been helpful.</p>

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<p>Can you explain the fundamental difference between CAS and CALS in terms of getting accepted?</p>

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<p>CAS- your traditional arts and science college. CALS- for the applied economics/management major..you'd be including courses like 'management of agriculture'..or something like that. typically, CALS is less selective because less people apply.</p>

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<p>
[quote]
Cornell when I was applying seemed like more of a GPA oriented school in terms of admissions. Schools like Dartmouth, Penn and Brown seem to score the crazy testers in the ED rounds even if their GPAs are a bit lower. This may have something to do with the rigor of each school's programs, but I'm not sure. It just turned out that way.

[/quote]

Are you saying work at Cornell is more manageable or less manageable than that of Dartmouth, Penn, and Brown. Also..what have you got to say on Columbia? Thanks.</p>

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<p>Well, (though I don't attend these schools I was accepted by Penn/Brown and know all about workloads there etc when I spent nearly 2 weeks total on each campus) basically the workload is all the Ivies is pretty much equal. The idea is that students who are admitted into these schools all have the ability to thrive. With that said, Bs are easily attainable and As should come by with focused study or a nice grasp of the topics presented. </p>

<p>In some instances, the workload might be far more difficult for certain programs. For example, Cornell Engineering takes up a good deal of time and students wishing to distinguish themselves at Wharton are very dedicated and occupied. </p>

<p>All depends on where you go. PM for more info.</p>

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<p>Yes but I meant are test scores rather than GPA, a stronger indicator of academic success at Penn/Brown/Dartmouth? Because I'm sort of worried. I didn't attend a very rigorous secondary school and my GPA is pretty low 93/100 weighted..top 10%. However, my test scores are pretty high and I'm applying as a transfer to Cornell ILR and Columbia-College.</p>

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<p>I think if you explained the circumstances surrounding your grades you have a decent shot</p>

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<p>Dude, transferring is a whole 'nother can of worms. Of course if one had great test scores, a mediocre HS record and a great college record then the test scores are a good indicator. But, it depends on the person. </p>

<p>If you have any more Qs just PM.</p>