Early Decision?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Cornell University
1

<p>I just visited Cornell today but I've been seriously considering it (top choice) for about a year. Anyway, I loved what I saw and I definitely think I would be happy there, but I'm not sure whether or not I should apply early decision. The positive side of doing so is obviously that I have a better chance of getting in. However, the negative side is that I'm not sure that there isn't another school that I want to try my chances at. I really want to go to one of the California schools (Berkeley or UCLA) but I know I have almost no chance since I'm an out-of-state resident and I haven't got many extracurriculars/a super-awesome transcript. However, I'm pretty sure I want to try anyway and see if I get in. Also I get really depressed in the winter, and Cornell has terrible winters while California has no winters, and that's another important consideration. However, there aren't really any other schools besides the UC schools that I like as much as Cornell, so is it worth it?</p>

<p>I think I have a pretty good chance of getting into Cornell, but should I apply early decision?</p>

<p>Unweighted Average: 94.22 (one AP course; taking 3 more next year)</p>

<p>In-State resident
go to a semi-public "gifted" high school</p>

<p>SAT Reasoning Scores: math 690, critical reading 800, writing 790 (cumulative 2280)
SAT II Scores: biology 800, chemistry 800 (may be taking Math II but not sure/will probably get a really bad score)</p>

<p>probably applying to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences with an interest in molecular or cell biology</p>

<p>extracurriculars
*member of the varsity track team in 10th and 11th grade with medals in XC and 1500m racewalk
*currently have an unpaid summer internship working for a researcher in cell biology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
*previously had a paid summer internship in horticulture working at the Central Park Conservancy (and volunteered at the Conservancy prior to that), volunteered at an environmental center for two summers, volunteered for the Queens Public Library for one summer.</p>

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<p>apparently cornell and berkeley are pretty similar
if you want to try one of the uc schools you shouldn't apply to cornell early decision, you have a good shot of getting in regular and see what happens with all three schools that way you have more time to figure it out</p>

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<p>if i apply for cornell via ED, and get accepted, do i enrol in the summer or in the fall? quick reply is much appreciated. thanks.</p>

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<p>cherry 0809: what do u mean enroll in the summer? you start along with everyone else who applied RD or ED in the fall. </p>

<p>exitheuxa:
i think you have a pretty good chance getting in RD for Cornell
try not to 'fear getting into Berkeley/Cornell when you can go to Cornell/Berkeley'
applying to college is more about finding a fit for yourself in terms of interest, student culture and aptitude.
Do some research on both schools, and the programs that they offer. </p>

<p>Cornell and Berkeley are both great schools, but they are vastly different in terms of culture, weather (of coz), and focus (Cornell is more undergrad focused, while berkeley Grad) </p>

<p>hope that helps</p>

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<p>thank you snowman1206.</p>