<p>I'm a rising High School Senior ...
I'm very interested in (research) Biology, areas of interest (haven't quite decided):
a) Molecular Biology
b) Micro-Biology
c) BioChemistry</p>
<p>Seems like I could get into these areas either in CALS or 'Arts and Science (A&S)' ..</p>
<p>I'm also a New York State resident ... Seems like the tuition in CALS would be less than A&S for a NYS resident (by a lot) ...</p>
<p>Is it easier/harder to get into A&S vs CALS ???</p>
<p>Don't take this the wrong way, but is CALS considered "less" of a school than 'Arts and Sciences' ??? </p>
<p>My ACT: 33
My SAT scores: Reading 710, Math 680 (will retake), Writing (690)
Ton of Volunteer hours, President of Multi-cultural Society, Girl Scout Gold award, JV Field Hockey captain
White, Female</p>
<p>What sort of chance do I have to get into Cornell (I will apply)?? I have taken the tour/info session (should have thought of the above questions while I was there).. I have seen several other schools and by far, I would love to get into Cornell ...</p>
<p>[ul]
[li]CALS is not a "public school". It is a contract college, meaning that is has a contract with NY State, receives money from NY State for the Land Grant mission, but it is not public per se. </p>[/li]
<p>[li]It is only considered "less" of a school than CAS by the misinformed.</p>[/li]
<p>[li]Search College Confidential and you will find a lot of information on this subject. </p>[/li]
<p>[li]Biology is one of the harder majors to get into in CALS, so you cannot judge by the overall statistics with regards to the more competitive majors.[/li][/ul]</p>
<p>1) ... and I really appreciate the information from the board because I'm getting informed ...</p>
<p>2) The reason I was thinking "less": There are other schools in New York, like the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) which is co-located with Syracuse University ... ESF Students can take classes at SU at no extra costs and actually share dorms with SU students... I have heard that their diploma says ESF at Syracuse University... so one could imagine they graduate from Syracuse University, but they really don't... I just didn't want to graduate from "CALS at Cornell University" ... but thanks for clarifying ==> Cornell is Cornell</p>
<p>3) Can you post the link for acceptance rates??</p>
<p>CALS is in COrnell University just like CAS and it is no less no better. They both provide Ivy League education. CALS offers a uniqueness in it's major, at least in my opinion, that med schools find valuable. Also it is a lot cheaper. Do CALS. CAS, to me and I'm in it, seems like it is for the undecided, people like me. lol</p>
<p>Usually CAS students are considered more well rounded. There's more requirements for CAS students to fulfill. Another difference is that you earn a BA if you're in CAS and a BS in CALS. The bio program is exactly the same if you are in either school. If you're in CALS, you won't have to take any additional classes to fulfill any requirements other than language (if you haven't taken 3 years of hs language), because the bio major fulfills most of the requirements. If you're in CAS, you'll have to take a whole bunch of arts classes in a variety of disciplines. I would stick with applying to CAS unless you are a NYS resident.</p>
<p>1) When I went on the tour, it was explained that the new Life Sciences Building was part of CALS...
2) I will have 4 years of HS Spanish by the time I graduate... I just got my Regents grade for Spanish .. 100% ... yahoo !!
3) I'm a NYS resident ...
4) Based on the info, it sounds like CALS for me !!
5) I know about the double application... so I'll apply to CALS as my "primary" choice and then CAS ...</p>
<p>Well your ACT looks good. I dunno about your SAT II's, but I'd use common sense and do well on a science one and a math one, maybe even another just to be safe. I forgot what the reqs were as I did this a year ago...tho they lay it out pretty nicely for you somewhere in the app booklet.</p>
<p>The thing that is imperative for CALS admissions is demonstrating how you have a passion related towards the college's mission and the major you apply to. Make a resume! I think that it was the thing that made my app. Show how, if your applying to the bio major, your activities focus on bio. Don't be afraid to show other secondary talents also, tho. For me, writing was one and I wove it nicely into a biology/ethics theme for the app. Essays should keep to your theme, but do NOT write cliched things...don't write about how you put your 6th grade science teacher or bush or your grandma on a pedestal, about how you have gained important study skills and academic abilities while coping with old granny's death, etc. (<--I've read some pretty phony, boring, and damned strange essays from this site...too many ppl write cliched BS).</p>
<p>All in all, just be honest with yourself. Don't be afraid to show off, but dont be pretentious. Don't list absolutely every "honor" you've received (no Who's who, etc., Honor Roll-o-shyt). Make yourself a person. And remember the adcoms are people too.</p>
<p>Just a question I had for the current Cornell students... What is one of the less competitive majors a CALS, would it be something like Plant Sciences?</p>
<p>SUNY ESF and Syracuse have a totally different relationship with each other (compared to Cornell)</p>
<p>like Cornell, Syracuse has a few colleges within the actual university ... ESF is not one of them. SUNY ESF is a SUNY school that happens to be next to Syracuse and the state pays the school each year for the opportunity for students to use some dorms and the libraries. This is the only relationship, two totally different schools that are in essense sharing part of a campus and some resources. The degrees are granted separately from both institutions.</p>
<p>Cornell is much different, CALS is as 100% Cornell as CAS.</p>
<p>All your scores are good. don't listen to anyone else about your stats. What do any of us know anyway? We have no say on what will help you get in.</p>