<p>hey incoming high school senior here. applying early decision to cornell. 2170 SAT (m-720, cr-730, w-720), subject tests 780 (math 2) and 750 (us history). Have an average to good gpa (school has not released). Will also probably be a national merit commended or semi depending on score (213) in Texas. I taught a 6th grade English class for 18 weeks and they all passed the TAKS test. I also shadowed a orthopedic surgeon for 18 weeks. I have lab experience (this summer and last summer) and will be included in at least two publications. What are my chances?</p>
<p>You said you’re applying to Cornell. This is the UChicago board, buddy. :)</p>
<p>well that was just my plan. was gonna apply reg to uchicago</p>
<p>purely based on numbers, an average to good GPA with CR+M=1450 is not very competitive for U Chicago, especially for RD unless you have a major hook. Unless you have something else, your EC sounds pretty meager too. All indications are, the U Chicago admission game will be exceptionally challenging next year with the acceptance rate near 10% range.</p>
<p>I am puzzled by your “order of things”. The usual strategy is to aim for a more competitive school in the ED round (because ED gives you a boost) and then apply to less competitive schools in the RD round if the ED did not work out. The odds are, if you did not make it in the Cornell ED round, you won’t be competitive in U the Chicago RD round. It takes better stats to get into U Chicago than Cornell to begin with, and ED gives you better odds. </p>
<p>Of course, this is just based on what you supplied here. Essays, other substantive things not mentioned here, and any potential hooks that can help you make a lot of difference.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>While your SAT is at the low end of the middle 50%, your class rank and gpa need to be better than just good. Essays are also vital when applying to U of C. ED at Cornell is an easier way to go.</p>