<p>Hi, I'm applying to Cornell early decision!</p>
<p>I have a 3.71 unweighted GPA, 4.21 weighted GPA. I go to a public high school, but a very vigorous one known for its academics, yet it does not have a ranking system.
I took 2 APs and one honors course junior year, and I am taking 4 APs this year. AP classes arent really offered to sophomores and freshmen at my school so I took honors classes those years. Although its only a total of 6 APs, I have never heard of anyone really taking more than 6 or 7 total at my school.
SAT
Math: 720
Reading: 800
Writing: 720
2240/1520
SAT IIs:
Math: 660
US History: 640
(I kind of slipped up on these, I know)
Community Service for the Red Cross Club at my school, and I also did 50+ hours at Reading for the Blind and Dyslexic. I am one of the leaders of the Relay for Life club, and JSA.
I have had 4 substantial jobs, these are what really made up my high school experience I think because my family was struggling financially in my freshman and sophomore year so I worked to get some extra money (I will comment on this somewhere in my application).
I have been on the fencing team since sophomore year and I was captain last year and will be this year (varsity).
I play the saxophone and bass guitar and have put substantial time in for those in the school band and jazz bands (section leader in jazz band)
I was a script writer, video director, and member of the pit band for last years school play.</p>
<p>My main hobby though, has actually been film making. Mostly not school oriented, but this year one of the heads of my history department found one of the movies I made on youtube and he actually went through the principal to put me in a special senior option where I will be making and producing a real short film with equipment, actors, etc. This is what I wrote for the "personal activity" part of the common application. </p>
<p>So, I am applying to the College of Arts and Sciences as a film major at Cornell. I know I have some weaknesses, but what would my chances be now? And is there anything I can do now to improve them (besides writing a good essay, I am already hard at work on that).</p>
<p>If I dont get into Cornell ED, other schools I am applying to are Northwestern, Emory, UMich, USC, NYU. I'm assuming I have a better chance at these school even though I will be applying regular decision..?</p>
<p>Feel free also to suggest any other schools that you think might be a good match for me!</p>
<p>Will applying for a film major help my chances at all? I know the Cornell film program is somewhat new and not that popular, but I'm really not sure what to think.</p>
<p>One thing you must be careful is that the College of Arts and Sciences in Cornell is the most competitive school Cornell offers. You definitely are a strong candidate, but you'll also be competing with other strong candidates. (Chem majors, physical science majors etc.) Your holding 4 jobs and helping your family definitely is something you can touch on. My sister wrote about intellectual experiences and Cornell loves students that are generally interested in learning, not just to get good grades and become successful. (she compared herself to an enzyme =P)</p>
<p>Even if you do get deferred in Cornell, all hope is not lost, they still offer a guaranteed transfer program, which involves you getting so and so GPA in your first year and then you're guaranteed a spot in the next year.</p>
<p>Yes, keep in mind that the College of Arts and Sciences is far more competitive then say, Cornell's engineering program. If film's your passion, you might want to consider also looking at schools known for their film programs. BTW, USC has one of the most competitive film programs in the nation. I'm pretty sure it involves some sort of submitting a portfolio which dovetails nicely with the work you've put into it, and literally like only 50 students get accepted to it every year. Other schools with good film programs you might want to take a look at are Tisch at NYU and UCLA</p>
<p>I like your chances at Cornell. Your 1520 is well into the top quartile, gpa is strong, and you have varied and interesting ECs that demonstrate your resilience (jobs) and creativity.</p>
<p>I was under the impression that showing an interest in the film major would give me kind of a boost since not many people do so..? I definitely love film but I love Cornell because it is so strong in so many other areas, and I am the kind of person who changes is mind a lot over 4 years. </p>
<p>Does anyone have any insight as to what my chances might be at my other top choices; Northwestern, Emory and UMich? UMich I will be applying early action. NYU and USC are great schools, but i am contemplating applying to them. NYU's lack of campus bothers me, plus I have lived in NYC and been there so many times that even though I love it, I really don't want to go to school there. USC is great but I don't think I want to be that far away (I live in NJ). Emory and UMich and Northwestern are the farthest I want to go.</p>
<p>I forgot to mention, I am doing dual option, which means I am putting one school first and another second and writing about my interest in both. Arts and Sciences is first, and I was thinking about putting the business major in the CALS as my second choice. Is doing this dual school option help my chances at all?</p>
<p>i'm going to say that you'll get in, because it's the easiest ivy to get into. still kinda hard though. and i've seen someone with your stats get in, too. </p>
<p>wow, your sats look so similar to mine, it's creepy. i think everything looks great for you. you do have a chance. just do your best and keep those hopes up! i'd only worry about cornell being so competitive and all, but that's something no one has any control over... good luck!</p>
<p>we have the same gpa and sat scores! crazy! i'm also applying to cornell arts+sciences but regular decision. according to my research, our SAT scores are way above average, so i'm going to say you are probably in because of your SATs and extracurriculars. </p>
<p>just to correct something someone else said, there is NO guaranteed transfer for arts + sciences. that's only for the state schools at cornell.</p>