Chance for 2017?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Cornell University
1

<p>While the seniors sort out where they're headed, intel is needed for the next cycle. My S is a junior, will be applying for class of 2017. Can you give feedback on his chances?</p>

<p>Numbers -
3.8 uw/4.3 w
Took as challenging a courseload as possible - he took the honors or AP class in every instance if offered @ his large, competitive pub HS (3000 students)
34 ACT w/writing (36 math, 10 writing) - also took separate, State-required ACT (no writing) - also a 34
219 PSAT (taking course now to boost beyond 2200); SAT in June
Will have 4 APs for applications (Calc AB, Japanese, Eng. Lang, Psych; won't know results until July) - total of 10 @ graduation
Will have 3 SAT subj tests, incl. math and Japanese</p>

<p>EC's -
Cross country (2 yrs), Psychology Club (3 yrs), Vegetarian Club (co-leader 2 yrs), founded Game Design Club, Japanese Honor Society, National Merit (in progress), Neumann Scholarship for summer (2012) Japan trip, in 2 bands (alt/prog rock; guitar, keyboard & drums - writes own songs)</p>

<p>Intended major -
CS with a focus on game design, minor in math, Russian or Korean.
Relevant HS classes included rigorous math & science, AP CS (and CS 101 at local community college) art foundations, graphic design, drawing, digital media, game design</p>

<p>Intangibles -
Has been designing games since he was 11; currently writing a(nother) game in LiveCode, to be published/sold on the AppStore, playable in English and Japanese
Spending most of July in Japan (on scholarship); should have 1000+ users of his (free) game when he returns.
Will be student teaching game design (as a Sr.), founded Game Design Club - entering competition next year.
Doesn't want a tech-only school; wants to learn CS within the context of a seriously well-rounded, high-quality school.
Tentative first sentence of one of his essay questions, "A thousand people in Japan are playing my game on their iPhones"
Taught himself calculus (while in Pre-calc as a jr.) so that he could take the Calc AB AP and have it on his application, and so that he can take Calc 3 instead of BC his sr. year; will also take the BC test for max AP credit - but after applications are in.</p>

<p>He knows that he needs to hit the ball with his tests, esp. his SAT.</p>

2

<p>I’d say it looks like he would be a great fit in our CS here.</p>

<p>

</p>

<p>Yup, this seems like a good place for him.</p>

<p>Also, I’d just send the ACT- no need for the SAT.</p>

<p>EDIT:</p>

<p>

</p>

<p>Sigh… :/</p>

3

<p>A 34 ACT will not hold him back. It is the equivalent of about a 2290 SAT.</p>

4

<p>His SATS are fine. Grades and ECs may be a bit lacking. Don’t use that as the first sentence of the essay. Can go either way - ORM status hurts a little.</p>

5

<p>^Why would you say his ECs are lacking?</p>

<p>

</p>

<p>Yeah I was feeling this as well when I read that sentence…</p>

6

<p>Well it’s not lacking in quantity - but lacking in terms of moderate scale achievements/ tangible proof aside from the app - but that’s more of a one time thing than demonstration of a long term commitment. </p>

<p>Also, need to know relative class ranking / school history of placing people into Cornell</p>

7

<p>This student seems extraordinary- If he applies ED, he should get in no problem. However, it seems Cornell might be shooting to low for him; he seems able to get into Harvard</p>

8

<p>

</p>

<p>No.</p>

<p> when will they rid of this 10char limit… </p>

9

<p>…you know what I mean</p>

10

<p>Nope, I actually don’t.</p>

11

<p>

</p>

<p>No.</p>

<p>

</p>

<p>No.</p>

<p>

</p>

<p>No.</p>

<p>

</p>

<p>If that 3.8 GPA places him outside the top 1% or even 1, 2, or 3, spot, then No.</p>

12

<p>What game did he make. I want to check it out :P</p>

13

<p>Focus on the essays, test scores aren’t that important at this point. He will have to have reasonably good essays to get in with his stats, especially considering 3.8 GPA UW/4.3 W is nothing special. Looking at that line of his essay you posted, he will definitely need to work on his essays.</p>