Does Cornell discriminate against student activists in admissions?

Colleges & Universities A-Z Cornell University
1

This is a loaded, maybe unanswerable question.

Background info: I’m gonna be valedictorian at my Boston-area high school, I’ll (probably) qualify for the National Merit Scholarship this fall, and 10 people from my school (and like most of them were unqualified) got into Cornell last year.

I’m highly interested in studying International Agriculture and Rural Development at CALS. It’s a unique program that I know I could never find at any other school. My sister goes there, and I talked to some of her friends who are studying agriculture at CALS. I asked them what they wish they could change about Cornell, and one of them said that the administration does not like student activists, especially since so many of the protests have to do with university policies.

I’m worried because political activism is my most meaningful EC, one that I want to pursue even in college. And I’m pretty sure Cornell would not like that. Currently I’m in a summer camp for young political organizers and it’s probably the most meaningful personal experience I’ve ever had. I want to write about it and my other experiences with activism in my school, but I also just want to get into Cornell.

I feel like without political activism I’m just another applicant, and really I couldn’t imagine my life without it. But I’m a good writer, and I could write convincingly about my other EC’s. I play the viola and I’ve started an education program at the organic farm where I’ve been volunteering since elementary school. I’m probably going to write about that on my CALS essay, where I could also incorporate stuff about my passion for social justice. If I didn’t think Cornell hated that.

So my question is: would Cornell /not/ want to accept me if they thought I’d cause trouble/organize/protest on campus?

2

Hmmm…I find it interesting you as an applicant for the Class of 2020, you are able to determine whether students from your high school are unqualified - most all students are very qualified and there are many applicants that are very qualified but somehow did not get acceptance.

It has been my experience with the admission process it would be a huge error on your part to not express your passion - it is who you are and your activism should be celebrated! The Cornell community has a place for everyone and seeks diversity of thoughts and ideas.

3

I wouldn’t say that the university doesn’t like student activists. I think they embrace activism when it’s done in a useful, respectful way. This past year there were a number of times activists were rude and disruptive and consequently turned their causes, no matter how noble, into a joke. It wasn’t just the administration who had a problem with them, many students did as well.

So if you get rejected, it would not be because of your activism. Passion is extremely important, and if you’re passionate about it, it will come across. But lose the “and like most of them were unqualified” attitude.