<p>Intending either to apply Cornell ED or U Chicago EA. Do I have any chance at all? I know my academics are weak but I hope that other factors can pull it up.</p>
<p>Singaporean student</p>
<p><strong>Academics</strong>
- A levels:
A for Economics, A for Mathematics, B for Chemistry, and C for History.
General Paper A1</p>
<ul>
<li>SAT: 2170. Reading 700, Writing 680, Math 790</li>
<li><p>SAT II: Chem 800, Math II 800, Physics 770, US Hist 640, International Hist 690, Biology 650</p></li>
<li><p>O levels: 3 A1, 6 A2, and a B3 for Higher Chinese</p></li>
<li><p>Gifted Education Programme</p></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>ECs</strong>
- Represented school in Harvard Model UN Conference
- Chess Club
Vice-Chairman of School Chess Club
Combined Schools Team Captain (Gold for Division One of National Inter-Clubs Championship)
- Wrote a degree level paper in Humanities and Social Sciences Research Programme, organized by National University of Singapore</p>
<p><strong>Others</strong>
- Cycling: took part in 500 km ride over 3 days for charity. Leader of a cycling group.
- Parachute packer in the army (high degree of responsibility)</p>
<p>ECs look kinda weak, SAT I scores are mediocre (no offense), and considering international application, I would say a very small chance to be accepted at Cornell ED; however, UChicago is rather unique with their admissions process, so make sure you write some good essays for them.</p>
<p>do you need aid? if not i think u have great chances at both schools, cornell especially. i don't understand why you took so many SAT2 though...</p>
<p>You know, you can apply to both Cornell ED and UChicago EA, as long as you're willing to attend Cornell if you get in.</p>
<p>I can't say that I know much about international testing, although your SAT and SAT2 scores look solid enough. Your degree-level paper could help you out a lot, depending on its sophistication - you can send it into colleges that you are applying to and have their departments review it, if you think it's good enough.</p>
<p>Other than that, your EC's aren't amazing. I don't think you have a particularly good chance at Cornell, unless your humanities/social sciences paper is really awesome (I'd say to play this up, because it's definitely your most impressive EC accomplishment). As someone else has noted, the UChicago app process is pretty unique - they really look hard at your essays and teacher recs, so you should work hard on nailing those. They also say that 10% of the student body is international, so it seems like they accept a fair number.</p>
<p>thanks everyone for the reply. looking at the grades (A level and SAT, but in particular A level), how strong do you think they are? i'm worried because everyone from singapore will be applying with 3 or 4 A's.</p>
<p>honestly, i think you have better chances than what's been described above... c'mon i mean Cornell takes like 70 students from rjc alone every year... plus you have other achievements like HSSRP and chess with good SAT scores. and you DON'T need aid!
if you have gotten 3 As instead, i can bet that you will 100% be in Cornell ><</p>