Hi everyone! I’ve recently applied ED to Cornell’s CoE and have been wondering about my chances. While I understand that now the decision is 100% up to the admissions officers and out of my control, I feel a little discussion on the matter may help alleviate some post-application anxiety! Anyway, here’s how my application looks:
GPA 4.0 UW (School reports as 99.1/100)
Rank: Top 10%
AP Courses taken: Biology, US History, Chemistry, Physics I, Calculus BC, Language & Composition, US Gov, Comparative Gov.
Scores: 5s on all but Lang (4)
Current Courses: AP Microeconomics, AP Macroeconomics, AP Psychology, AP Physics II, AP Literature, College Calculus 2 and 3 with Linear Algebra (Distance course through Georgia Tech)
SAT: 2270 (750CR, 740M, 780W. Single sitting, taken once)
ACT: 35 (36E, 35M, 35R, 33S. Single sitting, taken once)
Activities:
Math tutoring (11+12)
Automotive detailing (9-12)
Coin Collecting/Numismatics (9-12)
Guitar (9-12)
Traditional wet shaving (Yeah, I know this one is weird but it truly means a lot to me, so I included it, 10-12)
Coffee brewing (Again, very important to me, 10-12)
Also included a bit on how I perform my own maintenance on and modifications to my personal vehicle.
Essays: Common App essay details my home environment; my sister (23) struggles with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. I discussed how this reality has spurred me to develop independence and understanding, and I believe I did not sound negative throughout the essay. Though my life at home has been difficult, I truly appreciate the lessons it has taught me.
Supplement: Talked about playing with Legos, modifying DMG Gameboys, and building a simple turbojet with a car turbocharger to show my interest in engineering. I think I did a good job displaying my interest in Cornell and engineering in general.
Recs: Physics teacher was very enthusiastic about writing my rec and I believe he’ll do a great job. Chem teacher wasn’t as enthusiastic but I believe she’ll also write a good letter.
Ethnicity: White
Gender: Male
Applicant location: Georgia
Note: Moved from Ohio to Georgia between sophomore and junior years.
Thanks to anybody who took the time to read this! I really appreciate any commentary and good luck to anyone else applying! Please don’t hesitate to ask for additional info if you’d like it.