Cornell is my dream school. I’ve been working in my ED application and I’ve been having panic attacks over the weak points on my application. Here s an overview
SAT (weak point): M730 CR670
GPA: UW 4.0 W 4.79
Course load: several honors courses, by the end of junior year 5 AP by the end of senior year 10 AP. My weak point is that I m doing early release this year so that I can focus on horseback riding. I m really panicking about this because when I talked to my guidance counselor about it last year she said it would be okay if I did something to fill the time (like horseback riding) but now I m starting to regret the decision. I still took hard classes this year to make up for it though.
Sports: like I said earlier horseback riding (20+ hours a week)
Other extra curricular: VERY involved with local equine 4h group(awards win through them as well as numerous volunteer hours)
Annual oral presentation completion
NHS
These are the main ones, there s a few other minor extra curriculars that aren’t worth mentioning here
I’m applying for the college of agriculture and life sciences. I want to major in animal science. I know what I want to do and am truly passionate about it do I’m hoping this will come through in my essay and help me.
CALS definitely cares a lot about the essay so put a lot of effort into that! Your GPA and courses seem very good although your SAT seems to below average.Though you may not have many extracurriculars, your horse-riding definitely shows a ton of commitment and relates to your intended major. Cornell would be a reach for anyone, but I think you definitely have a chance! Good luck!
SAT 2s are weak, GPA is…outstanding. ACT/SAT score? ECs are a little boring but fit to your major so it’s ok. Tell me your SAT (not superscored) and i can give you a chance
My SAT math score is 720 (it’s a typo up in the original question) and reading is a 670
@dobiegerl l what is your score out of 2400 is what i mean 
Why are you worried about horseback riding if you want to be in the Ag school for Animal Sciences? Those dots connect.
My score out of 2400 is a 1990. I know it’s low but a large reason for that is because I did so poorly on the writing portion. My score actually decreased the second time I took it after studying for hours for the writing section 
Argh, that SAT is suuuper low (which is kinda weird considering your GPA is so amazing). Hopefully they will take that into serious consideration, plus you spend so much time with animals you would be a great fit for the school. Really focus on highlighting your fit in your essay. Not much you can do at this point, and remember any ivy is a total crap shoot. I would say you have a great shot if it weren’t for that damn SAT. Do anything and anything you can to brag about yourself in your app!
Good luck.
@PaulDi correct me if I am wrong but I thought Cornell does NOT look at your writing scores?
@dobiegerl The middle 50% of this year’s matriculating class is 1240-1440 so I would say you are within range nonetheless.
@kolakoala LOL… You’re right. I didn’t know that writing for the SAT included an essay (i took the ACT), the funny thing is i was crying when i found out how poorly i did on my writing section for the ACT and had to submit it to Cornell. Three years later i am a proud Cornellian…no thanks to my writing 
@dobiegerl So then i guess your in good shape. Your application is quite competitive and you are a great fit for your school.
I’m just embarrassed i didn’t know that, learn something everyday.
Thank you all for the information! It’s been super helpful and reassuring!!!
@ClarinetDad16 my main concern about the horseback riding was just that I was taking fewer classes this year (3 each semester instead of 4) so that I could ride more. I just didn’t wasn’t sure how admissions would look at that.
If you’ve done a lot related to your intended major, that will outweigh a weak SAT especially if you emphasize it in your app. My friend and roommate got an 1880 with a half decent GPA and is attending CALS for AgSci, but that’s anecdotal evidence, so take it with a grain of salt.
One thing I know is that a significant amount of animal science applicants are horseback riders haha. I’m sure you aren’t alone! You’ll do fine, good luck