Going to be a senior in High School and I plan to apply ED to Cornell Engineering.
Top 5% of class
4.5/5 GPA
26 ACT (yes this is what I am nervous about) I am taking it again and I strongly believe that it will be around a 29 or 30.
I will be taking the SAT II senior year. (Physics and Math)
Extracurriculars:
Founder and President of my high school’s Science Club.
Co-Founder and Vice-President of my high school’s Philosophy Club.
Started my own businesses as a Computer/Electronic Technician. I fix peoples computers as well as tutoring them when they do not understand. This is usually the case when I work with elderly people.
Varsity Sailing on my high school’s team (won first place in two regattas in the summer, won the Crew Cup at my Yacht Club and competed in the Rhodes 18 Nationals)
National Honors Society
JV Cross-Country
JV Outdoor Track and Field (I was actually on Varsity in 8th grade. I have the 8th grade triple jump record, but I am the only 8th grader to have ever done triple jump at my high school. It is a funny joke between my friends!)
JV Indoor Track
I have always had a job during the summers that averages at about 20 hours a week. I do not no if this is important or not.
I plan to tutor math to other students during my senior year.
Curriculum: By the end of senior year, I will have taken 8 APs. This year my classes are: AP Computer Science, AP Economics, AP Calculus BC, AP Physics 2, Advanced Engineering, and Shakespeare Honors.
Other: I wrote a very impressive essay about a learning disability that I have and reflected on how I took steps to try to overcome it. In addition, I stated that I do not use it as an excuse not to do well in school, but as a way to show who I am and how far I have come.
What are my chances?
How much will my ACT scores affect my chances?
What are some other schools that would be a good match for my credentials?
Thank you for your input!
If you are a male, admit to COE is one of the toughest on campus. Although your GPA & rank are there, a 26 on the ACT would appear to be too much for even your compelling story to overcome. I would think you would have to get it up to at least a 31 to have a fighting chance.
Even with a 30 ACT, your chances are VERY low. If you’re still interested in top tier Engineering schools with higher admit rates, try some of these:
RPI, Purdue, Rose Hulman, UIUC, Penn State. Ultimately, other ABET accredited colleges near you may be the best answer. (My Comp Engineering kiddo turned down Purdue and UMich to go to a smaller public school (but ABET accredited) in our state.)
Thank you so much for your input. The reason why I do so bad on the the standardized tests is because of my disability. I process the written information alot slower than most other folks. I tried getting extra time, but becuase I am not on the school 504 plan anymore, I can not get the help. It frustrates me becuase the only reason they took me off was becuase of how well I was doing in school!
It’s a timed exam. College has timed exams. There may not be much difference in ability between a 34 and a 36, but surely you would agree that a 19 ACT isn’t as well-prepared as a 33.
I have been studying and taking multiple ACT practice exams this entire summer. If I have been studying effectively and for a long period of time, how much could I improve on my ACT?