Chance me for Cornell?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Cornell University
1

As of now I am applying to 17 schools, and I’m thinking about taking Cornell off the list–I’m not sure if it is worth it to apply there if my chances are very slim. I have decent grades, but they are very average compared with the rest of the applicant pool and I don’t really have anything that makes me stand out. I would be applying to the College of Arts and Sciences as (probably) a physics major.

GPA: 99.32 (UW), 100.94 (W)
Class rank: 1/532 (UW), 2/532 (W)
SAT (single sitting): 1520 (790 math, 730 reading/writing)
Bio E SAT II: 780
Math Level 2 SAT II: 750
AP Scores: AP Lang: 3, AP Physics 1: 5
Senior Year Courses: AP Calculus BC, AP Biology, AP Lit & Comp, AP Macro, University Spanish, Honors Symphonic Band, gym
Awards: Harvard Book Award, Nat. Merit Commendation, NHS, Spanish NHS, some school awards
ECs: nothing that really stands out…I won’t list everything but I’m a figure skater and practice about 10 hrs/week and have some awards associated with that, I play the clarinet, volunteer weekly with different organizations (Learn to Skate, library, homeless shelter), babysit/house-sit, etc. Not much leadership besides being co-section leader in band and “supervisor” of other Learn to Skate volunteers…

My personal essay is decent, I think.

I have no hooks. The only thing I can think of as being unique-ish is being a girl applying as a physics major??

So the question is…is it worth it to apply? I’m mainly just concerned about the number of supplemental essays I have to write and would rather spend my time perfecting the ones for colleges that I have a decent chance at being accepted to.

2

You have pretty good grades so I think you definitely have a chance of getting in (maybe not the biggest but still)

3

Hi Margaret! I think you have semi-ok chances of getting accepted. Your grades are very nice, and your SAT and SAT II scores are good. However you only have 2 AP tests (one of which you got a 3 on). In addition, your extracurricular activities aren’t fantastic as you only have a few and little to no leadership roles. I’m not sure if it’s worth it at this point, unless you really care about the school. In my opinion, since you are already applying to 15+ schools, I would focus on those applications, especially the ones you really care about. If you are only semi interested in Cornell, then i’m not sure if I would apply. If you could chance me back I would really appreciate it!