I really wanna get into Cornell, but I’m not sure if I should even apply because 90% of ivy league students are in the top 10% of their class.
If you have a 3.9 UW GPA and you are not in the top 10% that would show there is major grade inflation. Cornell would consider GPA, test score and your school’s profile among other things.
What is your GPA?
You can certainly put in an application – that way you never will have to wonder “what if?” Just understand that (assuming you are an unhooked applicant) Cornell would be a reach for you.
Spend the time and energy to craft an application list that includes reach, match, and safety schools that appear affordable (run net price calculator) and that you would be excited to attend. There are tons of amazing colleges and universities out there where you can have a great 4 year experience and get where you want to go in life.
Why do you need “an Ivy?” It is not a homogeneous group. Columbia/Penn and Dartmouth/Cornell are pretty different. It’s silly to aim for Ivies- you should be aiming for the right fit.
That said, by your own stats 10% of Ivy students are not in the top 10% of their class. I am sure most of those have a hook of some sport, like a sport or a talent or a publication or a research project.
I’m not sure where your 90% come from the top 10% stat, as most HSs don’t report class rank. Does your school report class rank?
If you have a high GPA, high test score, good ECs certainly apply to a couple of reach colleges, whether an Ivy or not. Make sure you also apply to a handful of match schools, and at least one affordable safety.
Determine what’s important in life. Why do you “really wanna get in to Cornell”?