<p>Hi,</p>
<p>I am currently finishing up my junior year of high school. I am very interested in going to Cornell University, specifically in CALS (College of Agriculture and Life Sciences) and studying Animal Science. I am also going to Cornell Summer College this summer for a program in veterinary medicine, if that's helpful at all. </p>
<p>I have good grades (All As), extra-curriculars and some leadership involvements, and I'm working on my essay to ensure it is the best it can be. I have a 30 ACT composite right now and am taking the ACT again in 2 weeks. I'm shooting to improve at least 1 point for my composite, but hopefully I can improve more.</p>
<p>In the case that I don't improve, how do you think my chances are for getting into more selective colleges and Cornell specifically? I know it is hard in any circumstance, but it is my dream to go there. If anyone has any additional advice, I would greatly appreciate it.</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>I think, if you get your ACT up to a 33, Cornell might be hm-lr!</p>
<p>Could you post specific stats and info like GPA ( you say all As, so do you have a 4.0?), ECs, etc.? At the moment it would be good to raise your ACT score to be as competitive as possible.</p>
<p>Yes, here are some more specifics:</p>
<p>ACT: 30 (hopefully getting it higher)
I know my ACT can improve, but just in case, I’m going off hope since the 25th percentile for ACT is a 30 composite. </p>
<p>GPA: 4.0 (unweighted)
Rank: Top 3
Highest course rigor I can take from my school with APs and Honors</p>
<p>ECs:
Crew (rowing) team (grades 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
Friendship Circle volunteer (working with kids with down syndrome/autism/etc) (grades 11, 12)
Animal rights club (member and head, grades 10, 11, 12)
Women’s health awareness club (member and now head, grades 9, 10, 11, 12)
School newspaper (reporter and now editor, grades 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
Community Service Board leader (grades 11, 12)
Spectrum club member (GSA club, grades 10, 11, 12)
Volunteer/internship at animal shelter (ongoing)
Volunteer walking dogs/caring for pets for senior citizens weekly (grades 10, 11, 12)</p>
<p>Awards: National Latin Exam - Summa Cum Laude for 3 years</p>
<p>Your GPA is outstanding. Usually the bottom 25 for schools is brought down due to special cases, e.g. recruited athletes, legacies, or those with absolutely spectacular ECs.
Your ECs are decent, but dont reflect a lot of leadership (some do, but a lot of colleges look for quality > quantity as far as ECs go).
Cornell does have a 15-20% acceptance rate or so though, so you have a good chance.
Improving your ACT would be a massive help. Get it to a 33 or so and you’ll have a great shot.</p>
<p>@outwest - Thank you. I plan on applying ED, so hopefully that will also help. As for leadership, I know, but I can’t help it because people keep snatching my leadership opportunities!</p>
<p>Anyway, I’m taking the ACT again in June and then again in the fall. I’m going to study very hard over the summer, and I hope it’ll pay off. If anyone has ACT advice, pleease let me know. Anything is appreciated. </p>
<p>I think the main thing is to raise that ACT score. I’m going to Cornell ('18) and I did about 6 ECs and I earned multiple awards & official recognition in every one, so if you’re able to distinguish yourself, that would be great. However, I think with just your stats now, your chances are good (even though the low acceptance rate is something to keep in mind). </p>