Hey everyone! Here are my stats, please let me know about my likelihood of getting into Cornell.
I’m a sophomore in Toronto, Canada. I’m currently in pre-IB and my dream school is Cornell. My current rolling average is around 88%. I plan to continue with IB, taking 3 HLs- English, Math, and Economics. I also plan to take SATs, aiming for a score of 2200+.
My extra curricular activities include:
DECA
FBLA (NLC qualifier)
Oxfam leader (1 hr/week)
Wind Ensemble, (which I will be dropping next year) (1hr/week)
Symphonic Band (2hrs/week)
(Both of these ensembles are MusicFest Canada national qualifiers)
Music Council Executive (I am the media representative this year but I am likely to be elected as president next year.).(at least 2hrs/week, not including planning done outside of meetings)
Tutoring a third grader in Math and English (1hr/week)
Music Tutoring (time spent depends on number of tutees)
I don’t know if this is relevant, but I am also a female of Chinese descent.
I have also played piano since I was 4, up until just before my sophomore year. I completed and received the RCM Grade 8 certificate, and finished the practical exams for the Grade 10 certificate.
I am hoping to major in either Economics or something to do with Biology or Public Health. Other than SAT I, are there any subject tests I should take for these majors? Please give me any tips that you may have! Thanks in advance 
(I do realize that I’m probably not a very competitive candidate and may seem pretty naive but better to have a goal than nothing at all right?)
Aim for 2300+. Take the SAT MATH II, and whichever other subject you feel the strongest in. If Cornell is your undoubtedly your first choice, apply early decision; the advantage is substantial. Your GPA/Rolling Avg 88% seems low, but I don’t know the context of that score. In terms of ECs, you have plenty. Do focus on a few and really achieve in those areas. Consider applying for internships/programs for the summer after junior year, be it econ/business related or Bio/research orientated. Out of school activities are generally well received. Otherwise, you seem well on track.
Thanks for the reply, hagzzz! Not sure if this matters but in Canada, an A is 80-100. As well, many of my courses are more challenging than the regular academic stream but our marks are not curved. For example, I’m in grade 10 but our math curriculum involves grade 12 math as well.
Being that Cornell has a large international presence, you’ll be competing against a lot of other international students.
I disagree with @hagzzz about your ECs, especially if you’re dropping WE. Continue pushing yourself in your current ECs (get ranked at FBLA nationals, compete in DECA, etc.), but consider adding another EC to the list. You could start research, do an internship, or perform at concerts.
You have good stats so far, but being an international student puts you at an disadvantage, especially at Cornell.
@jfx246 thanks for the help! Does it help that I played in a band that recently received a silver ranking at MusicFest nationals in the B300 level? As well, how would I go about finding internships for high school students? I’ve done some research but was unable to find any.
@twobaplaya I’m not too familiar with MusicFest, but if you competed nationally then it would definitely help.
As for internships, you have a ton of choices. You could ask a parent for help networking, you could email different professors/startups/etc. about internship opportunities, you could ask your guidance counselor, etc.
Back in my high school days, I cold emailed a professor who did very interesting research (to me at least). I read his literature and mentioned that I would love an opportunity to conduct research under him. After a few meetings, I landed a year-long independent research project in his lab.
Internships don’t have to be fancy. Although interning at NASA would be extremely impressive, adcoms know you’re just a high school student. Just aim for something that truly interests you. Not only would it give you a great experience, but you’ll also get something interesting to talk/write about during your application process.