Hi! I’m currently a junior in high school and is currently thinking about what colleges I should apply to. Ever since the 4th grade, I’ve always said that I wanted to go to Cornell because my dad went there. However, when I started high school, I realized how much competition there was out there and how I wasn’t up to par with the top kids. I’ve always doubted my potential, but I feel like I should apply just for the hell out of it and make my 4th grade self happy.
Anyways here are my stats:
I am Asian from New York.
Rank: N/A
ACT: 32
GPA: 94/100 unweighted. I don’t know what it is on the 4.0 scale.
APs: AP World (2, don’t talk about it pls i cried for 2 weeks), APUSH, AP English, AP Stats, AP Gov, AP Bio
Class Rigor: By the end of high school, I would have taken a total of 4 regular classes (think I won’t get accepted because of this) but the rest is honors and APs.
Senior Course Load:
Common Core Precalc H
AP Stats
AP Bio
AP Gov
Syracuse English
Hooks: Dad is an alumni and sister is currently studying there
Essays: Only decent thing I’m good at is writing so hopefully my essays will be good?
Recs: I will be getting one from my math teacher in sophomore year who recommended me into honors (we’re really close) and I’m thinking about asking my college accounting teacher
Major: undecided
EC:
Red Cross (secretary from 10th-11th, President 12th)
National Honor Society
Math Honor Society
English Honor Society
Global Honor Society
Science Honor Society
DECA
Key Club
Environmental
Writer for school newspaper
Mathletes
Intern for my APUSH teacher
Awards/Honors (not impressive):
Semi-finalist for Stonybrook Japan Essay
Published poem
I think the best I would get from Cornell is a guarantee transfer.
Anyways, is it even worth it to apply with my stats? Thank you.
Try retaking the ACT to get a 33-34. It would help your chances a lot. Write solid essays, and apply ED, and I think you’ve got a chance with the legacy.
I agree with the above. Also, a 94/100 is probably somewhere between 3.9 & 4.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Legacy will mean much less in the RD round, so if Cornell is the clear first choice and the cost is affordable according to the NPC, consider applying early decision.
I think you have a shot. ED will increase your chances a lot. To stand out in ED, work hard on your essays, and Cornell doesn’t value standardized test scores in ED too much as long as they think you can fit in well. Good luck!
Chance back? I think you have a great shot, but a slightly higher ACT score would be great. I would try to emphasize how unique you are in your application. Joining a bunch of honor societies might make you look like the generic cookie cutter applicant. Express your individuality!
I was accepted to Cornell this year through Regular Decision and I am an Asian male in New York. I hope I can help you.
ACT: 35 (and take the SAT!)
SAT (in case you’d like it): CR 720 M 800 W 740
SAT Subject Tests (because you’ll need to take them): Math II 800 U.S. Hist. 800 Chem. 780 World Hist. 770
GPA: unweighted 97/100 weighted 102/100
All my past AP’s: World History, U.S. History, Chemistry and Computer Science A (all 5’s)
Senior courseload: taking some regents classes, so don’t worry about rigor (also 3 AP’s and a SUPA)
Clubs: VP for an Asian culture club, Treasurer for a club sport and a robotics team
Awards: AP Scholar with Honor, National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalist
(BTW, having a published poem and being recognized in an essay contest IS impressive)
My advice is about the same as everyone else’s: retake the ACT for a better score and also try the SAT, they are different formats so you might feel more comfortable with the SAT. Family connections to Cornell definitely work, so apply Early Decision and write a stellar essay.
Also, apply to Arts and Sciences. I did. Easiest to get into and perfect for undecided applicants with numerous interests including English, natural sciences and the social sciences like history and government. Hint: put this stuff into your essay.
Think about why you want to go to Cornell. Is it just your family? Is it their academic reputation? Or is there something they have that you want, that only they can offer you? Hint: 3rd one is most important, 1st one comes second but still quite important.
You might have some location advantage as well. I live in a suburban neighborhood east of Syracuse, less than an hour from Cornell. My school has close to a 30% acceptance rate to Cornell every year, twice their normal acceptance rate. I hope your school has something similar.
I think you have an excellent chance. Cornell seems to care a lot more about grades than ACT/SAT scores. Keep your grades really high and take challenging courses.