Chances at Cornell?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Cornell University
1

<p>Hey all. I'm a junior right now at a competitive public school. So far I'm thinking about applying to CALS under the Biology and Society, Science of Natural and Environmental Systems, or Natural Resources major.</p>

<p>[Academics]
GPA: 3.96
WGPA: 4.75
No rank
Courseload: 5 college prep courses, 9 honors, 8 AP, 2 at Princeton University, 1 independent study on environmental studies; skipped 2 years of math, 1 year of programming, 1 year of chemistry, and 1 year of music theory; exhausted all bio courses at my school, so I'm taking 200-level classes with Princeton students next year --> hardest courseload in my grade</p>

<p>[Test scores]
SAT M: 800
SAT CR: 720
SAT W: 720
SAT II Bio: 800
SAT II Chem: 800
SAT II Math 2: 800
AP's sophomore year: Computer Science A 5; self-studied Biology 5 and Environmental Science 4
AP's junior year: Calculus AB, Chemistry, English Language; self-studying Human Geography, Psychology, Statistics</p>

<p>[Primary extracurriculars and TERMINAL officer positions]
Environmental Club - President (and founder)
Debate League - President
Tutoring Society - President
Amnesty International - Vice President
Model United Nations - Vice President</p>

<p>[Secondary extracurriculars]
French National Honor Society
Science Club
Soccer</p>

<p>[Recognitions]
USA Biology Olympiad semifinalist (top 500 in the nation)
NJ Science League qualification and certificates
NJ Governor's School on the Environment nominee, finalist, then the program was canceled
AIME qualifier (115 AMC 12)
Shore Bowl quarterfinalist and team captain
NJ Scholars Program (humanities focus) nominee, finalist, scholar
Princeton University Moot Court Tournament seventh place team/quarterfinalist
Colonial Valley Conference fourth place team
Varsity Policy and Lincoln-Douglas debate teams
JPMorgan Chase Lincoln-Douglas Tournament Award
AP Scholar last year, hopefully National AP Scholar this year
...And some other small stuff</p>

<p>[Summer activities]
2003 - travel in Europe and Asia
2004 - skipped 2 courses
2005 - skipped 1 course, worked as a tutor
2006 - NJ Scholars Program, Environmental Management course through Harvard SSP, JSA symposium on leadership and politics, maybe getting a job and/or a course or two at the local CC if possible</p>

<p>I've explored the fields of biology and public policy throughout high school, and they overlap nicely in the field of environmental studies, which I plan to major in in college.</p>

<p>Firstly, what do you think my chances would be? Secondly, which of the three majors mentioned above do you think would best suit my interests? Finally, which of the three is easiest to get into? :P</p>

2

<p>you have excellent stats, at this point you shudnt be worrying about individual schools. chances are varied tremendously depending on specific schools.</p>

<p>youd be surprised how unexpected admissions can be, just apply to your favorite schools and hope for the best! you have as good a chance as any other top person</p>

3

<p>Very impressive indeed. You're definitely in the top 25% of Cornell applicants. I know lots of people who got in with stats nothing close to yours...but also others with comparable stats that have been rejected (ex: my friend got accepted into MIT but not Cornell this year!). It depends a lot on how you compare with others from your region (seems to be no issue in your case :P), and make sure you still fill out the application carefully: essays, recommendations, etc. Because the top schools can be so fickle, I recommend you apply to no more than 1 or 2 safeties, and LOTS of top-tier universities cause you just never know.</p>

<p>About the major, CALS told me marking a major on the application is more for placement purposes. Once you are in, they are very flexible and will allow you to move around and take advantage of courses in any of Cornell's schools. </p>

<p>Good luck to you! :)</p>

4

<p>you sound fantastic as an applicant. but i imagine you already know you're qualified, and you'd just like some reassurance. looks great, keep it up, and good luck!</p>

5

<p>Thanks, urfavoriteazn.</p>

<p>macalasterhopeful - well, as urfavoriteazn said, top-tier schools like Cornell can be random sometimes. There's no such thing as reassurance at that level.</p>

6

<p>You better write an excellent essay or have a great interview. Your scores are terrific but you never know...</p>

<p>Great luck! I hope you get into your first choice.</p>

7

<p>you're qualified. i didn't say you were for sure- like you pointed out, no one is. i guess maybe i'm feeling lax because i already know i'm going to cornell. i'm sorry. as far as a major... do what you love.</p>

8

<p>Congrats on Cornell, macalesterhopeful! And thanks for the advice. :)</p>

9

<p>Excellent work!! As far as I'm concerned, you're definitely into Cornell and probably every other university or college in the country. Most impressive!!!
My scores were nowhere near yours yet I got into Cornell and a bunch of top liberal arts colleges.
I suggest you lay back, relax and let the schools come knocking!!</p>