Chances at Cornell or any top tier school

Transfer Students
1

<p>I am an international student from Japan. I went to school (high school and elementary school) in the States for a couple years. I started college here at Valdosta State University in GA (VSU) after I graduated from a Japanese high school. (private competitive one) </p>

<p>I am interested in transferring since VSU isn't really challenging at all. </p>

<p>Stats:
(I'm a junior transfer, so I don't think HS grades matter...and they are mixed with Japanese credits and American credits anyway)</p>

<p>College GPA: 3.68 (I have been making straight A's for the last three semesters. I messed up the first semester due to the fact that I didn't really have many class options..I was late registered and there weren't many classes left. I took unnecessary Theatre appreciation and got a C. It will be 3.76 after this semester as long as I can keep my grades straight, but I don't think it will be considered since I'm applying this semester)</p>

<p>Professional translator: I have translated scientifical articles and patent documents written by Dad (lol) and his co-workers, and they have been presented in a national convention (Pittsburg convention) or published.</p>

<p>Teaching during the summer: I tought English (regular English classes....how to write essays for SAT and stuff) to students who go to international schools. (They were back for the summer). </p>

<p>Dell representative: I worked for Dell for a couple months and quit for school.</p>

<p>Film and Video society: held a regional contest.
English Honor Program (sarcastic? lol)
Honors Program
Recycling assistant</p>

<p>HS stuff (if that matters):</p>

<p>JAPAN
Japanese HS standardized test: I was in the top 18 in Japan and received an award.
World War ll convention: I was invited, and we discussed issues on WWll with the British representatives. I was interviewed at the end and was on Japan Times. </p>

<p>I was also president of broadcasting club and stuff but nothing stands out.</p>

<p>US
Key club
JV soccer
Community services
Didn't take SAT. It wasn't required since I graduated from a Japanese HS. </p>

<p>I contacted Cornell, and they said I am not required to take TOEFL since I have been in the US long enough.</p>

<p>So what do you think? I know Cornell is an Ivy...super duper hard...also I would like to know where I would have a chance to get in. (well-known university..)</p>

<p>BTW I am a communication major (specialize in media). So I'm applying for CALS</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

2

<p>nobody wants to answer my question? was it too long? plz</p>

3

<p>Your college record is pretty weak for Cornell. Other than that, it’s hard to be too specific without more stats.</p>

4

<p>No offense, but with words like “scientifical” and “tought” I have a hard time believing your post, or at least believing you taught English and are a professional translator.</p>

5

<p>I guess I needed to clarify those two a little bit more. I have been speaking English since I was small because I was born in an international city and people around me spoke English. And yes I did teach English although one of the posters didn’t believe that I actually did. I see your point thou. Very valid point. I’m not a certified teacher since I’m still a student. But the school (summer school) didn’t require me to be certified. I took the test and passed it, and they hired me as a teacher. (looking at my previous English grades and being an honored student)</p>

<p>The professional translator thing. I mean you don’t have to have a license to be a translator many times. I guess you are thinking you are too young or too unskillful to be a translator, silly. But I mean, what can I say…if you look at some professionals’ translation, I gotta say, they do horribly. I’ve def. seen some horrible ones. Also it is hard to translate scientific experiments from one language to another because some sentences can be misunderstood. One little mistake can make a big difference. That’s why my Dad prefers me to do it so that there will be no misunderstanding in terms of what he wants to say. And…names of the magazines? The one I just recently did is called ‘Electric Field Simulation’. If you ask me what page…I’m sorry I don’t know</p>

<p>Thanks, wayward_trojan…
I know my grades aren’t really great. I totally regret what I did in my first semester. What else I would need to provide for you to be more specific? I didn’t take SAT, and Cornell told me they don’t consider SAT for my admission since I am almost a junior. If Cornell is too high to aim for, where should I apply?</p>

6

<p>dude you’ll get in</p>

<p>keep your GPA
and provide a good reason on your essay why u want to go to cornell</p>

7

<p>try for Emory. the fact that you are already in-state should maybe help although Emory isn’t a state college; all i’m saying is, administration-wise, there would be less hassle. Cornell, I think, may be very difficult but you should go for it if it’s your dream.</p>

8

<p>Make sure you have a few people read over your essays to prevent little spelling errors like “thou instead of though.” Make sure you push for excellence this semester, don’t worry too much about the odds if you want it badly enough. Just make sure that you do have a fallback school if Cornell doesn’t work out.</p>

9

<p>hey …
when r u applying?? this spring or fall???</p>

<p>ur GPA seems a little bit lower than the average…
i think the average is like 3.8+ or something but don’t let that bring u down
if u keep up getting A’s and good reasons to transfer then i think u should be ok
i’m applying to CALS too but i’m applying this spring so yea
good luck with ur application</p>

10

<p>yeah I’m applying this spring</p>