<p>I am interested in seriously pursuing an education at Cornell's Hotel School. Hypothetically, what would be needed for me to have a good shot of getting accepted Early Decision? Assuming I have a fairly good GPA and SAT score, what else is very important. I am aware that an interview is required and past work experience is highly desired. This brings me to my next big question-- How much work experience is needed to be considered competitive assuming all other aspects of the application are up to standard? I am considering working part time at a local restaurant starting soon and then potentially working at a hotel over the summer. Would that be enough?</p>
<p>If it helps, I am a white male. I also have a potentially strong connection with a Cornell alum who is on a board one level below the Board of Trustees and who has donated a substantial amount of money to Cornell over the years-- although he was a graduate of the College of Arts and Sciences. Will this have any potential effect on my application if he really tries to help me out?</p>
<p>Thank you so much in advance for your answers.</p>
<p>I was recently admitted in the SHA after being deferred early decision. I worked as a hostess in a restaurant the summer of my senior year and also was a waitress at a catering facility. I have many connections to Cornell (I am a 4th generation legacy). I have been told that the reason I was deferred and not immediately accepted was because I did not have enough experience in the industry. </p>
<p>If you are really committing to the SHA, start everything now. Get a job asap, and gain as much knowledge and insight into the industry as possible. Next year, when you are writing your essays, you will have many stories to tell. The SHA really looks at your passion for the industry. The more time and commitment to the hotel industry will only help you. </p>
<p>The letter will also help, but it honestly won’t do much. I had the wines professor’s son write me a letter who graduated from the SHA, and I was still deferred because of my lack of experience. But all in all, get the letter; it won’t hurt.</p>
<p>BTW- I had pretty great grades and scores too (3.9uw, 31 ACT, 780 math II), but that didn’t really matter. It’s all about hospitality experience there.</p>
<p>Thanks so much for the quick response and congrats on being accepted! I am definitely going to get involved in the industry as soon as possible. My dad owns a fast food restaurant, so getting involved at least short term will be relatively easy. In terms of the interview and essay, how did you really make yourself stand out as opposed to everyone else who had similar work experience? How did you really show your passion and make them realize they should have you?</p>
<p>I tried to connect my experiences to what kind of a person I am, and then to why the hotel industry was good for me. I like to organize events and operations so I wrote about how as a host, I would oversee the communication of the restaurant. With your dad running a fast good restaurant, it will be easy to connect that in your essay. You can say how for years you’ve watched him operate a restaurant and that you’re excited to get involved.</p>