Studying information science at CALS! New York Resident. Feel free to ask me anything about the application process/ Cornell in general 
Perfect! I’m a NYS homeschooled resident looking to apply to CALS in the fall. I had a couple of questions…
From the website, CALS doesn’t require subject tests. However, I’ve seen here that some people submit them anyways. Do people send in these scores as extra? (I’ve asked CALS if I can submit them b/c I’m homeschooled, but I’m not sure…)
Is the CALS ACT average different from the Cornell University average? I’ve seen on Prepscholar that the Cornell average is a 32. I saw on the SUNY website that the CALS average is a 28-33. I’m working to get the highest score that I can. But, if worst came to worst, would my current 31 be enough for CALS?
Is there a preference in admissions in CALS for NYS students? I’ve seen mixed answers across CC.
Why does HE ED acceptance rate much higher? And please tell me what you about PAM at HE chances vs AEM at CALS for Early Decision. I love Cornell and will def apply ED, just trying to decide between CALS and HE. Also, is it necessary to demonstrate background or interest in agriculture for CALS?
@SuperGymnast_04 28 to 33 is a big range, typically college ACT has a range of 4 at most between the 25th percentile and the 75th. Applicants should always aim for 75th percentile and up to be competitive. What you need to realize is that just because you have the average median ACT does not mean you will be the average student at Cornell. Cornell rejects more students with their 50th percentile than they accept. Usually the people with low stats have something else like a hook or legacy that gets them in. I would aim to get that ACT up to a 33. I had a 34 when I applied. SAT2 is not required but strongly recommended, so definitely take it, especially if you are homeschooled and don’t have school grades to back up proficiency in some subjects. It is not public information whether your state residency plays a role in CALS, but it shouldn’t make or break anyone honestly.
@Scorpion2000 Idk anything about Human Ecology, but the majors offered there are very specialized and concentrated. If someone applies to HE they must be really certain about the major they are choosing. Also CALS is not just agriculture. I’m studying data science and have never done anything ag-related in my life. It is important to demonstrate interest in the major you choose because you declare your major as you apply for CALS.
@GoBigRed2021 Thanks a million! I have a 33c, 34ss on my practice tests, so I’m just practicing and praying for September! Still not sure how much of a benefit being a URM (AA) adds to your application at CALS, but I really liked the amount of diversity that I saw when I visited Cornell.
I didn’t know SATIIs were even recommended for CALS (it just said not required.) I have a 720 World History and a 740 Biology which is kind of in the middle. I’ve got a very traditional transcript with grades/APcourses/dual enrollment/outside teachers. It seems like a lot of colleges really underestimate the credibility of a homeschool application, so I have a lot of support stuff ready to hand in.
Sorry this is late -
Are there a lot of requirements for Info Sci at CALS? Is it sort of easy to double major?