I know this is a weird question for someone with the name of “TheroadtoNYU” to have, but my dad has been encouraging me to try and apply for Cornell or Dartmouth. I was wondering whether I had a chance at these schools with stats along the lines.
My Stats
-3.6 unweighted GPA, I’m a rising Junior (did terribly freshman year that’s why GPA is so low)
-My potential hooks could be Under represented minority, low income (if that’s a hook), first generation college student, potentially a first generation American.
-I might create a business next year too
Anyways if my upward trend continues with my GPA, I take rigorous classes, get a good SAT score and do extracurricular activities do you think that I would stand a chance in any of these schools?
Why does your Dad want you to apply to Cornell & Dartmouth ?
What do you want to study ?
NYU, Cornell & Dartmouth College are three very different schools.
My dad believes that I would stand a chance in the admissions for Cornell or Dartmouth that’s why he wants me to apply. I would like to major in Computer Science or Accounting (I’m still debating over which I would like to major in) at these schools.
At this point it’s hard to say. ButI noticed you didn’t give a weighted GPA; does your school not weight grades or have you just been taking regular courses or have you just omitted it? For Dartmouth and Cornell the rigour of your schedule is very important, it is imperative that you do not underestimate them as the “lower ivies” because it is a misnomer.’
If you haven’t already start shaping your schedule with classes you are genuinely interested in with honors or AP courses. And if there are course requirements that hinder that consider doing dual-enrollment courses to bolster your chances. Many people on this side emphasise showing your passions not telling them on college applications and the best way to do so is to define your passions and pursue opportunities that demonstrate that.
Also instead of looking to prestigious universities and trying to find your place in their ranks, try to find what it is you wish to pursue and choose whatever is most conducive to your success in it (even if that is outside of higher education). Do not rely on the “hooks” of URM and low-income because if you gain admission to a school you want to know that it is because you belong and not because of some quota.
As for standardised testing, practice is key. It is not necessarily a measure of intelligence but of dedication. If you persist in your efforts Cornell and Dartmouth could be within your grasp.
As an URM, low income, first generation college/university student, your options should exceed your numbers.
NYU is not good with financial aid so that may be your least realistic option.
For accounting Texas, UPenn, Michigan & Indiana come to mind. Indiana offers a lot of scholarships.
Do you have any standardized test scores ?
My school does have weighed grades, I didn’t take any AP classes yet and my school doesn’t offer honor classes. I plan to change this junior year by taking APUSH, AP computer science principles and some college courses offered at my school.
I don’t have any standardized test scores yet unless Regent scores count.
URM and first-gen are hooks, but we don’t know exactly how much they help. A 3.6 is a bit low for schools of this level of selectivity, but the hooks probably make it more competitive. Shoot for a 1450+ on the SAT – the higher, the better. (for Cornell and Dartmouth)
But both are fairly rural and have real campuses. Both things make them quite different from NYU. You should figure out if you prefer the rural to the urban environment and the traditional campus to the lack of campus at NYU. (or if you don’t care…)
Finally, run the NPC at every prospective school to make fairly sure that it would be affordable – it makes little sense to apply to a school that isn’t.
As a low income applicant, OP should apply to at least a dozen colleges & universities that offer your intended major.
Yeah I realize my GPA is quite low for selective schools, but that GPA will likely increase to a 3.7 or a 3.8 unweighted before I apply to these colleges. I’ve lived in city all of my life and a change of paste would be nice, so I believe that I would be fine with a rural environment.
Thanks for the advice and I intend on applying to 16+ colleges lol.
Apply to the Telluride Association Summer Programs!
Would I be able to apply to this program next summer as a rising senior?