<p>I’m just as worried about the essays as I am about my scores and ECs, because I’m not the best writer. Writing has always come hard for me, and the hardest part is coming up with something original I guess. Especially for the Common App, I don’t know what would set me apart from all the other applicants. The “show not tell” thing doesn’t exactly work for me. I think the supplement will be easier to write, but I’m worried I can’t get across to them what I really want to say. I’m going to get teachers and friends to read over what I write, of course, but it’s almost embarrassing to hand in something to them, knowing that my essay is not going to be very strong. And I’m not exactly great at receiving criticism… though I’d rather someone be super critical than just wave me off.</p>
<p>And I heard this, but I’m not sure if it’s true. For the college of engineering, are the courses you take mainly already set? There’s not much room to explore other things, right? Because then I’m not sure I want to apply to the college of engineering but CAS. I think CAS would be better for me. I would major in either math or physics (or double major), and possibly (maybe not) have Russian as a minor. But CAS has way more applicants (I guess people most aren’t interested in strictly engineering) so I have to try harder to make myself seem a better applicant than others…</p>
<p>Rumor, from who knows when, says that 2.7 is the average GPA for a freshman in engineering. I think this is a drastic underestimate…If you look at the median grades for intro engineering courses / reqs 2.7 doesn’t make any sense. I’d say a more accurate number is 3.1-3.3, and I’d say that number goes to ~3.4-3.5 for a senior. </p>
<p>Generally, yes. The courses you’re limited to are core requirements (think calculus, physics, writing seminars), some engineering distribution requirements, probably 8-10, depending on the major, major requirements, followed by a few more “technical class” requirements. You do get to take 6 liberal studies courses (can range anywhere from historical content, literature, social behavior, cultural, etc) which allows you to “explore” more as you put it. Many engineers, however, will probably devote their remaining times to project teams or do research related to their major. </p>
<p>That being said, CAS has by far more strict requirements than engineering. There’s a foreign language requirement. You have to take a geographical course. You have to take a historical course. You have to complete a math/quantitative reasoning course. You have to fulfill multiple physical/biological science requirements. You need to complete additional humanities and social sciences requirements. You get the picture.</p>
<p>Don’t get the wrong idea that Engineering is “easier” to get in than CAS. This is a very common misconception that people just don’t seem to understand or refuse to accept. There’s no such thing as an easy way in. If you’re more fit for CAS, than CAS will be “easier” for you to be admitted. If your application indicates you have strong potential for engineering, you are far more likely to get in engineering than CAS. Simple as that.</p>
<p>Definitely! I think most people just mention their intended major in their essay (unless they’re already dead set on it, that might be a different story). If I recall correctly, I didn’t even mention my intended major in my essay. Your essay is your opportunity to talk about whatever you want that you’ll think will best describe you. It certainly will not “hurt” your chance. I hope I didn’t give off the impression that it’s “standard” to do so. </p>
<p>Addressing game design, I’m sorry to say that I know very little about it. I know that they host competitions and various showcases throughout the year and it seems quite fun. Here’s the website for more info, sorry I couldn’t be of more help on this one: <a href=“http://gdiac.cis.cornell.edu/”>http://gdiac.cis.cornell.edu/</a></p>
<p>Academically, I would say Cornell’s culture is motivation and hard-work. Sure, this might sound cliche and a no-brainer, but judging from what I’ve seen, Cornell students are among some of the hardest workers, quite possibly more so than the other institutions. Of course, I can’t confirm this as I never have attended any of these schools, and would probably be impossible to answer due to subjectivity, but that would be my guess. There’s a saying that Cornell is the easiest Ivy to get into, and the hardest to graduate from, and I think the latter really speaks for itself. My friend and I had a long discussion once how Cornell manages to keep up with other schools in terms of employer recruiting, and I think we concluded that perhaps while the other students at other school are generally more “naturally talented”, we make up that gap with our extraordinary hard work and efforts. We still attract some of the top companies that recruit at the likes of Harvard, Princeton, etc.</p>
<p>And how can I forget? Due to our large undergraduate size, I’d say we have a very diverse student body. I don’t mean just based on ethnic backgrounds, but also by other miscellaneous factors. </p>
<ol>
<li><p>I’m not sure if I interpreted your question correctly, but I suppose academics and hobbies? Please be more specific. </p></li>
<li><p>Pretty common. It used to be that you didn’t need to get an internship until your junior year, but these days, freshmen are starting to hunt for internships. I have a handful of freshman (soon-to-be-sophomores) friends that are interning at top CS companies (FaceBook, Microsoft, Amazon, etc). Internships aren’t for everyone though. I would say a large portion of them also pursue research. This could be on-campus or even somewhere else, like at another university. By sophomore year, the number increases. By junior year, this is probably the peak time. </p></li>
</ol>
<p>Just a comment on EC’s. When my D was in high school I read time after time on this forum that her EC’s should match her intended field of study. They did not, but showed a high degree of leadership & excellence, which seemed to really help in her admit since her “stats” were below average. </p>
<p>What do you think (or many students think) is the best and worst thing about Cornell? (it can be anything like food, dorms, people, weather, courses, Ithaca, sports, social life, etc.)</p>
<p>I just saw this, and figured id throw my opinion in (I’m a rising sophomore).
Best: the people and the campus. Our campus is absolutely gorgeous, and the people on campus are so different and are all so committed to so many remarkable things (plus most people are really friendly in my experience). Also (as a side note) the food is decent–we are #3 in the country when it comes to college food by various rankings.
The worst: ummmm…maybe the weather. I’m from the northeast, so it wasn’t that big of a deal, but it’s pretty cloudy and not exactly warm most of the year. We also get a lot of snow so good winter boots and a coat are a must.</p>
<p>suppose while filing for Cornell ED, I choose CS as my major but after a year, I don’t feel like continuing.
So could i change my major then?
Is it easy to change major?</p>
<p>@SuperScientist01 it depends on what major ud be switching into, and from what college within cornell you’re applying to. Are you thinking of arts or engineering?</p>
<p>I don’t think in engineering you are bound to a major…a lot of my friends in engineering used first semester to get general engineering requirements out of the way and explore options before really picking a major </p>
<p>what is the difference between CALS and College of engineering? I want to pursue CS at Colg of Engg.
But in essay part of application form, they ask to write about engg idea in your field choice.
I have engg idea in green technology not related to CS anywhere, what should i do?</p>
<p>Does anyone have experience with guests at cornell? I’m an incoming freshman wondering how strict they are about the guest policies. Do you really have to check in your guest? Is the rule about no sleeping in common areas enforced?</p>
<p>Hi there! I’m an incoming sophomore GT next fall and was wondering about my chances at getting a single in one of the Gothics (as in Baker Tower or Founders Hall, not the fancy new dorms on West!) I really like the way they look and don’t mind the fact that they’re older. Are these dorms usually sought after by upperclassmen, and are there ways to increase my chances of getting in them? Thanks so much </p>
<p>And on the topic of extracurriculars: I think they definitely should match your intended major. My stats were well above average, but my extracurriculars (strictly animal-related) did not really match my major (general biological sciences) and I believe that hurt me in the ED round because it seemed like I never read the entire list of majors CALS offered, haha. So if you’re torn between two majors and your EC’s reflect one much better than the other, go with that one! </p>
<p>@@asb1230 congrats on picking Cornell. I have never had to sign in a guest, but they should probably sleep in your dorm room (although tbh they could probably sleep in a lounge if you are in a bigger dorm and no one would really question it. However, guests cannot (technically) stay for more than 3 consecutive nights (although no one really checks) just make sure if they are staying and you have a roommate you should of course clear it with them first. </p>
<p>I’ve had a friend visit for a couple days. I let him sleep on my bed while I put some sheets on the floor; I lived in a single. He was in my room or with me and not that often in the common room areas; this helped with discretion. </p>
<p>I didn’t notify my RA (residential advisor) or the dorm (which technically, I suppose is against the rules). I don’t think they’ll deliberately be on the lookout for unfamiliar people in the building, but if they do notice someone not from here that’s been hanging around, they might start asking questions, for security and safety purposes. Depending on how long your friend is staying, I suppose to be on the safe side, it wouldn’t hurt to check your guest in, but I would say you don’t have to. </p>
I think the supplement will be easier to write, but I’m worried I can’t get across to them what I really want to say. I’m going to get teachers and friends to read over what I write, of course, but it’s almost embarrassing to hand in something to them, knowing that my essay is not going to be very strong. And I’m not exactly great at receiving criticism… though I’d rather someone be super critical than just wave me off.</p>
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