Hi, I was just wondering how competitive this major is at CALS? I’m really interested in international development, so I believe this major would fit best, although I intended on putting international agriculture and rural development as a second choice. I know they put a lot of emphasis on being “fit” and I think I definitely can write a passionate essay. I’m just not sure about my ECs? I’ve been on 10+ domestic service trips and 2 international (1 week in Guatemala and 2 in Brazil). I’ve also interned at the Community Outreach center analyzing statistics for the homeless, but I’m really not sure how much they want. I mean I haven’t published some research novel or anything lol. It’s kind of hard to have so much international experience because it’s $$$, too. Also, if I do sociology, do I have to have many environment ECs if it’s not as related to it? I’m in environmental club but that’s about it… My ap environmental teacher said she’d go with me to volunteer at organic farms which I think would be kind of fun anyway, would this help? I’m considering applying ED. Thank you for any insights!
My daughter is a DSoc major and had fewer, although similar, EC’s. She did not have any environmental EC’s. I think your EC’s are certainly competitive.
Thank you so much @blprof!! This is very reassuring. Does your daughter like the program now that she’s enrolled? Also, were her test scores/gpa very strong?
Hi @olieaa98 , this is the aforementioned daughter. Your service trips and EC’s definitely help, and don’t worry about having environmental experience; remember, CALS is also home to the Communication and Business majors, which are hardly related to the environment. CALS does have more science requirements than other schools once you get there, but you can get by taking “science for dummies” classes. The DSOC program is great if you are a good fit, which it sounds like you are. It can be really difficult if you don’t have a true interest for it, ie) there are a good number of athletes in the program and I don’t think they are doing too well. As for the major in general, I haven’t delved too deep into it yet, but from what I can tell I really enjoy it. IARD is definitely more science based than sociology based, so I would keep that in mind when making a decision. I thought I would double major in IARD but realized that I didn’t want to take the science requirements for it. I am also interested in DSOC in respect to international development, and there are very few requirements in the major so you can really take it any direction you want, which is why I may try to minor in Global Health and Demography. This year I am taking international agriculture which I am really excited about! In regards to the school in general and the “superkids” that they promote, don’t buy into the hype. Yes, everyone is interesting and has probably done a cool thing or two, but don’t think that everyone you meet has started some charity. For the most part, everyone you meet is just an ordinary, every day kid. My test scores were strong and my GPA was strong, but that is pretty much every student that applies. Also definitely apply ED, Cornell rocks!
Thank you so much!! I think I will stick with DSOC for now as intended major because I’m not the biggest fan of science either. And I’m not worried about my GPA at all, only really my ACT. It’s in the lower range of the ballpark right now but hopefully I can bump it up one or two points before I apply. I think if I succeed with that I will apply ED! Thank you so much again!!