Cornell Class of 2020 Regular Decision Discussion Thread

It might be a bit late for this, but does anyone think I have a shot at getting in?

SAT: 2150 (Math- 800, Reading- 640)
SAT II: Math II- 800, Physics- 770
GPA: ~95 unweighted
I’m in AP Physics II, AP Calc BC, AP Gov, and AP Lit this year and got a 5 on physics 1 last year.

Extracurriculars: various science competitions (national ocean sciences bowl, science bowl, envirothon) placed 5th in the nation after taking 1st in the state for ocean bowl. Also Boy Scouts

Community service: mostly environmental stuff. Beach cleanups, shellfish restoration project, and horseshoe crab tagging (a Cornell-run program)

I’m a white male from New York applying to the college of engineering. I know my SAT reading is pretty low, but are my math/subject test scores enough to get me in? Also being a white male doesn’t really help, specifically for engineering, but does the fact that I’m from New York do anything for me? I’ve already been rejected from cmu, Stanford, and ga tech, so I’m really hoping I get into Cornell, but it’s looking doubtful.

Also a few of my friends have received LLs and diversity letters, but I’ve heard nothing since I applied. Does that mean anything or do most people not receive anything from them?

@nieberhard what’s ocean bowl? Is it like normal science bowl but ocean themed? If so, that sounds super cool.

quick question: I failed 1 quarter of an AP class of the total 5 APs I am taking this year. (2nd quarter of AP Bio).
My application overall is just okay (not amazing but I’m not necessarily drowning). Act30, 3.5UW/3.8W, strong ECs (with varsity sport etc) and I would say the best college supplement I wrote was for cornell.

Indian female- New York. RD to CALS for Dyson Economics. How badly does that one failing quarter affect my chances? The rest of the classes were high 80s to low 90s and I am currently picking everything back up to the mid 90s which was more like what it was my junior year. I will be graduating with 9 AP classes total

That’s exactly what it is. The rules are ever so slightly different, but it’s pretty much the same as normal science bowl

@nieberhard well, not getting LLs doesn’t mean rejection. and as admissions is holistic, no one can be sure. looking at your activities, though, it may have been better if you focused a little more on engineering in your activities (it seems more environmental.)
I’m not sure whether you are from NY or not will make a difference (sorry, no knowledge on that part). Your subject scores will definitely help, as it seems evident that you may be strong in engineering. but more importantly, really jealous of your GPA (personally cause mine’s kinda low), it will help, i’m sure. on the other hand,it’s a bit of shame that your reading is a bit low. in my point of view, i’d say about 30-35% chance
but i mean, it’s pointless telling you all this at this point. they probably already made the decision, and i can’t say for sure what the admissions is looking for.
would usually be too lazy to write, but i’m just writing this because i’m kind of in a similar situation where i got only ucla and been rejected by top choices. anyways, best luck! admissions is such a f*** crap shoot nowadays that no one can be sure

@terr24lr I don’t think a quarter grade will mean much to Cornell. But overall, your gpa and ACT are quite low for Dyson. Rooting for you tho!

@nieberhard You certainly have a shot, but let’s be honest, ivy admissions are (pardon my language) shit shows, and you really can’t predict what’s going to happen between students with similar stats. You’re obviously a strong student, but if anything, your EC’s are kind of lacking.

@terr24lr Sorry if this sounds harsh, but you have a very small chance of admission. Essentially, you’re have a reverse hook (being Indian), and your stats are below average for Cornell, especially your GPA. If you had done excellently in high school, and went in to senior year with a 4.0 before failing a class, admissions would be suspicious, but may give you the benefit of the doubt. Since you have a straight B+ average, I feel that this won’t be your case.

If we don’t get accepted can we transfer to Cornell after one year of going somewhere else?

@soph1112 I was admitted to Cornell through a Diversity Letter and I did not submit my sat subject test scores so you still have a chance!!

What are you, racially speaking?

I’m African American

@kcoleman89 Oh Nice. So are diversity letters a solid indication of acceptance?

@Princetonian9 I believe so. The letter said, “you will be admitted to Cornell University’s Class of 2020”.

@kcoleman89 Oh Jeez. Thats great for you! What a way to ease everything, no stress i guess. I’m a completely different person as im waiting. Damn, I thought i would get a diversity letter

I am currently holding on useless hope and I really need a reality check. Someone please tell me their opinion of my stats.
Cumulative waited GPA: 4.13
Don’t have an UW GPA
Senior year weighted GPA: 4.6
8 APs total: human geography (4), chem (3), English Lang (3), US History (5), bio, English lit, Chinese, environmental science, and ab calc
ACT: 31
Legacy: grandfather went to law school and great grandfather went to CALS for two years

ECs: yoga club, baking club, student ambassador, varsity soccer, tutoring after school in underprivileged areas and my school, president of Chinese club, camp counselor, babysitting every other Thursday after school, nutrition Instagram
Awards: AP scholar with Honor, Chinese Honor Society, headmaster list for all semesters of high school (GPA higher than 3.75)
Essays: okay, talked a lot about nutrition and singled out a Cornell nutrition professor and Cornell specific programs
Hooks: I am not Chinese but I happen to be pretty good at the language, legacy (sort of)
Alumni interview: really good, still keep in touch with her
LOR: from my two employers this summer (really good), my chem teacher(really good), my bio teacher(really good), my Chinese teacher (probably my best rec), and my guidance counselor (horrible)

I was deferred ED from CHE and I want to study nutrition

@cuhopeful16 Hi. I am in the same boat as you with grades and AP stuff, i dont think anyone can really “chance” you but i feel like you and I are pretty Average for cornell and i think its more of a luck of the draw kind of thing. The legacy piece is something I lack as a first gen but will definitely be a plus for you. I honestly have no idea, but I hope we both get in. Either way it comes out in like 4 days so idk :((

@Princetonian9 it’s really annoying because I really want to go there. First gen is amazing that helps a lot. I think I will probably end up transferring to Cornell if I get rejected but getting accepted on Thursday would make that process easier.

@cuhopeful16 God Same Same Same. Its my top choice and I wish they would get the memo, if accepted i would go make my decision the same day. They accept like 6000 kids but only about half actually go. I was thinking about transferring as well but like you said it just makes life easier, and my only other option is a UC which i despise.

@Princetonian9 which UC? My options are horrible too

@cuhopeful16 Santa Cruz. I dont think your options are that bad haha trust me.