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<p>Hello all,</p>

<p>Just like many of you, I used to come on here and receive my fair share of trolling, help, and advice. It's pretty surreal that I'm going to be a senior this fall and would like to give back to the CC community; there's just so much I got out of this website. Whether you're a prospective student in high school, incoming freshman, or thinking about transferring, feel free to ask away and I'd be glad to answer your questions!</p>

<p>I suppose an introduction to my background is in order. So here's a brief summary of me:
I transferred to Cornell as a sophomore back in Fall 2011. Fast forward to now, I'm scheduled to graduate next summer 2015 with degrees both from A&S and Engineering. I won't go into all the details that happened in between for the sake of keeping this intro brief (feel free to ask if curious though!), but just wanted to put it out there that I got in as a transfer, so I may not be the best person to ask about freshman housing, meal plan, etc (though I still know a good amount!).</p>

<p>I know back in the day, sometimes I had questions to posts like these but were too embarrassed to the public's eye. If you are one of those people, feel free to shoot me a PM as well. </p>

<p>MODERATOR'S NOTE: Anyone is free to ask or answer questions in this thread.</p>

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<p>I know there are no chances of me getting selected in Cornell, but still
I am international student applying to Cornell this year. </p>

<p>My Biodata :-
1] SAT 1 - 2000 SAT 2 - 2300/2400 Toefl 110
2] 9th and 10th grade 94.4%, 10/10 GPA and maths 100/100 in 10th Boards . 11th std. 80%. 12th- 80% board
3] 2 national level awards - [1st prize in one competition and 2nd prize in 2nd competition].
3 times national level finalist in different competition.
Best Innovation Prize at City level as a leader of a team.
Defeat Indian Institute of Technology[I.I.T.] top students in a Science and research competition.
15 Certificates from edX
4] 3 research papers - Low cost algae biodiesel at $0.34/liter, solar energy and vertical farming . Have few other designs. My projects have high demand in India.
Got offer worth $2Mn for my projects.
Some other projects include - No fuel car, a flying suit and few architecture designs including designing a eco-city.
5] Government recognition and special mention of my name and idea in a special report submitted to the government.
6] 2yrs work experience at a MNC at high position and collaboration with NGO’s
7] Know 3D animation , Video editing and film making, programming and Website designing.
8] Sports - Roller Skating, Cycling and soccer.
9] Run a company and worked with various research organizations in India.
.i have participated in quizzes at city and national level, in science fairs, even organized science fair and other events in school, drama, have played sports and have my photo published in newspaper many times , leadership positions at my company .please tell my chances</p>

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<p>have you heard anything about the average freshman GPA for engineering and the average senior GPA for engineering? ( i know there have been past posts about this, but i want to see if i can get more current information)</p>

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<p>Hi SuperScientist101,
The only way of having no chance is not applying, so good for you for taking a shot!</p>

<p>I’m not too familiar with the grading evaluations used by international students (in the USA, we typically use a 4.0 or 5.0 GPA scale and a class rank/percentile). That being said, your SAT 2 scores are well competitive enough (mind breaking down which specific exams you took?) and I’m assuming the percentages you provided me suggest stellar academic performance.</p>

<p>I think the first thing that jumps out at me is your SAT I score. Again, if you would like more of my feedback, please break down each of your scores (perhaps your math and reading were great, but not too strong in writing, a section Cornell does not require you to submit). As a general threshold, I think 2000 is a bit on the lower side and given you’re an international student (and Indian I presume?) there will be many students with backgrounds like yours with much higher test scores. This does not mean you have to keep retaking until you get a 2400, but I believe 2200+ would be a safe ball park area. Again, this will depend on your individual scores by topic. Don’t stress out too much about this. Academics are just numbers, and only a part of your application.</p>

<p>Besides that, I don’t quite see any weaknesses that jump out at me and was quite impressed with your extracurriculars. It seems like you have a wide array of expertise, spanning from environmental engineering, to some computer science, alternative energy, etc. Have you thought about which school you would like to apply to? Just my initial reaction shouts at me engineering, though there are definitely other schools that can definitely best tailor to your interests.</p>

<p>This is something I tell many applicants, but test scores, GPA, and academic performances are generally just indicators to get your foot in past the first door. The admissions committee is very unlikely to select candidate A over B solely because A had 100 pts more on his SAT score, or placed 10th in his class while B placed 20th. Once you’re past that certain threshold (which I believe you are, and raising your SAT score will no doubt support this), it all comes down to being able to sell yourself through essays and your extracurricular activities. Again, I have nothing but praise for your achievements, and if you’re able to tie this well with your reasons of why you want to attend Cornell, why it’s such a great fit both ways, I think you’ll have a great chance believe it or not. My suggestion is not to try and spread yourself too thin, but rather focus on the areas you’re most passionate/knowledgeable about. Best of luck, and let me know if you have anymore questions. </p>

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<p>I don’t think they release official statistics for this, but I heard it’s roughly 2.7 for underclassmen, and typically rises to 3.0 for upperclassmen. This is just from what I’ve heard around, so take with a grain of salt!</p>

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<p>@Calavera‌ My sat 1 scores CR - 620 WR - 610 M- 770
SAT 2 scores M- 760 Phy-750 Chem -790
Yup, getting 100/100 in maths in board exams in India from CBSE is a big thing and very much valued; got photos published in newspaper from classes for this.
yup, i will try to improve my SAT Scores this october and try scoring high marks.
Yes i am looking for CS engg in Cornell.
I am good at green technology research, 3D animation and managing stuff - My strong points.
What if i open up a company or sell my ideas, will it be good?
What are my chances for Cornell ED?</p>

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<p>Hello, I’m an incoming freshman and I was wondering what was the most difficult class you took as an engineering student? </p>

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<p>I think if you boost up your SAT score and articulate your strengths well, you have an excellent shot at ED. Also keep in mind that you are not binded to a single major when you apply which gives you more room to talk about other than CS, though you certainly are allowed to talk about one. Perhaps delve into how the engineering school accommodates all the areas you mentioned.</p>

<p>Regarding your company/selling ideas, that is entirely up to you. I wouldn’t do it just for the sake of trying to put it on your application though. If you end up following through and something significant comes out of it, great! But try to express what you have already rather than trying to impress with sudden last minute actions.</p>

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<p>I would say my most difficult class was Financial Engineering with Stochastic Calculus. It’s for the MEng students in the financial engineering program here at Cornell and the content consisted of PhD level mathematics (yes, there were also PhD students in the course). Gave me quite a run for my money but worth it in the end.</p>

<p>I do have friends in other departments such as AEP, CHEME, and CS that complained about some impossible classes as well. I’m sure there are many more out there that I’m currently not aware of :)</p>

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<p>@Calavera‌ I also have option for Princeton SCEA or Brown/Columbia ED with Cornel ED.
Which should i choose, where i have better chances?</p>

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<p>also i am very bad in writing about myself, but if i start writing one i won’t stop. I don’t have particular format habit of writing like intro, body and concl. I also mix up things in an essay. So what should i do to write a great essay?</p>

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<p>This is something I can’t quite answer, as I am not too familiar with Princeton and Brown/Columbia. In the end, you will have to research the schools and decide for yourself which best meets your needs. I can comment on Cornell’s CS and engineering program in that they are very competitive and probably above those schools in general. I never heard of Brown/Columbia being particularly strong in their engineering programs (I could be totally wrong about this), though I hear Princeton has a few strong select areas in it.</p>

<p>If you would really like to find out, again I would research the schools more in depth, and perhaps ask the students from the Princeton/Columbia/Brown boards on their opinion of the programs. </p>

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<p>I would just jot down some ideas you have now and try to construct “mini” essays. There’s no harm starting now. Play around with them and ask others for feedback (I believe there’s a “Read My Essay” section or something along those lines in these forums). I’m not sure what the essay topics are for this year, but as long as you answer the prompt well, you have nothing to worry about. </p>

<p>I suppose a “great” essay is one that really portrays you for who you really are. Remember, a total stranger will be reading your essay. Don’t try to be someone else that you’re not. Be yourself. I know this sounds very broad and generic but it holds a lot of truth. </p>

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<p>Sounds like your CS?</p>

<p>Are M Eng CS students graded together with the undergrads, or have their own separate grading curve?</p>

<p>Do you recommend Database practicum or OS practicum? Which is more practical and in-demand by industry?</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

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<p>I’m actually ORIE, though I do know a decent amount about the CS curriculum. </p>

<p>I believe most, if not all, classes provide a separate grading curve between grads and undergrads. There are some though where the difference is very negligible.</p>

<p>Again, I’m not a CS major so I might not be qualified to answer this, but if I were to take a guess, I would say database since the data science industry is looking quite promising these days. I don’t know anyone who’s taken the database practicum and as for OS, I heard it is quite a lot of work (6 projects I believe). I presume you’re following either the software engineering or systems/databases vector? In the end though, I don’t think you can go wrong with a Cornell CS degree, regardless of which course you select For more details, it would probably be best to consult your advisor on this or ask upperclassmen CS majors.</p>

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<p>thanks Calavera ; so ED or RD for me which have better chances?</p>

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<p>I see, I was worried about grading since I heard Cornell undergrad grading is harsh, but if it’s separate, that may be better.</p>

<p>I heard OS is a lot of work too, and not sure if worth. VMWare guy told me it pays better and is a more secure job. Ok yeah, I’ll consult with ppl there once I get there. thanks!</p>

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<p>Short answer: Neither
Long answer: Statistically speaking, ED, but most of these applicants have fully committed to the idea that they want to select Cornell for their collegiate life. There’s a reason why ED is a binding decision, don’t pick too lightly. It seems to me that you’re not 100% set on Cornell at the moment and just considering it along with other schools, which is completely fine, but I personally believe you shouldn’t narrow your options for the sole sake of applying ED under the pretense that you’ll have a higher chance of admission. ED vs RD is not something one can simply quantify better chances for one over the other. </p>

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<p>for me Princeton and Cornell are top choices any of these will work fine on me. I can’t decide which is better. In some areas Princeton is better and in some Cornell. So I can’t say to which I am committed 100%. If i get Cornell i will attend it or vice-versa. Even if I have chances for Cornell ED i am ready to take it. I have no problem. In RD already many seats get full, so that may harm my chances as my EC’s and SAT’s scores currently not up to mark.</p>

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<p>Yes, I agree some of the undergrad grading here can be harsh. I think for CS, in particular though, is one of those majors where it’s a lot of work, but if you put in the work, it’s not too difficult to achieve an A. What I mean by this is that conceptually, it’s reasonably within the average student’s reach, but the workload can definitely be overwhelming. Think marathon vs sprint I guess haha. Kudos to you and your fellow CS majors though, I could never handle the workload; I guess I was more of a “sprinter”. </p>

<p>I think in the end, you should select which interests you more. I wouldn’t worry too much about salary/job security yet, as all these are very situational and dependent on many factors such as employer, job role, etc. </p>

<p>Best of luck! </p>