Early or Regular Decision?

Applying to College
1

<p>I know my chances of getting into cornell are slim, but I think that there is still at least reason for applying.</p>

<p>Ok, so here's the situation:</p>

<p>I started out high school with As, and unfortunately had a general downward trend in grades (and GPA), junior year being the worst with 3 Bs first semester and 2 Bs and 1 C (gah) second semester (More</a> Detail-if interested). Naturally, I'm planning on putting a lot of work into senior year to reverse this downward trend, and to (once and for all) prove that I'm not just being lazy. </p>

<p>My question is, granted that all of my other statistics are typically standard for cornell admission, does it make more sense to apply under Regular Decision, with my (predicted) solid first semester senior grades, or would I have a higher chance of admission if I submitted my application under the Early Decision process, simply because the acceptance rate for ED is statistically significantly higher than it is for regular decision (some sources claiming 50%+ acceptance for ED, and roughly 20% for regular)? If I did submit my application ED, the last semester that Cornell would see would be my worst semester of my high school career, and the worst semester in a steady degression of academic success, potentially leading admissions officers to believe that I've just given up on doing well in school and will continue to show less interest in succeeding (which isn't true, by the way).</p>

<p>Advice, please? </p>

<p>As always, thanks in advance for your responses.</p>

2

<p>I think you'll project a somewhat stronger package under RD with top marks your Sr year. The majority of the boosted admissions in ED is due to the fact that super strong applicants apply. I think in your situation, you'll actually be of greater risk of being rejected outright in ED than in RD. My opinion only. Best of luck to you</p>

3

<p>Thanks for the feedback. Any other opinions?</p>

4

<p>Come on, guys. Please? This is genuinely pretty important to me (and I assume to at least some other applicants out there).</p>

5

<p>I would apply RD with solid first half grades to present hands down.</p>

6

<p>overwhelming majority says go for RD =] don't worry , you'll make it!</p>

7

<p>I'm in somewhat of a similar situation as I am debating whether I should apply ED to Cornell, however, I have an upward grade trend.</p>

<p>"If I did submit my application ED, the last semester that Cornell would see would be my worst semester of my high school career..."</p>

<p>If applying ED, wouldn't they still be able to see our senior year schedule and determine the rigor of classes? I know they won't consider senior grades for ED, but wouldn't the rigor of our classes have a positive impact?</p>

8

<p>Alright, thanks for the feedback. I guess no one else finds 50% acceptance rates attractive?</p>

9

<p>The acceptance rate is 50% because as T26E4 said, "super strong applicants apply" in ED.</p>

10

<p>do you want to go to cornell so bad that you're willing to ED it...cause if you're only doing it for the admissions boost, it's sooo not worth it.</p>

11

<p>RD. You don't want to compete against statistically better applicants with a weaker record. And sure, colleges will see the rigor of your schedule, but they have no reason to believe you'll succeed in the context of that schedule unless you show them improvement from last year.</p>

12

<p>The acceptance rate appears high because this is when top schools take most athletes (17%), legacies (about 12%) and staff kids.</p>

13

<p>The admission rate is not 50%, its down to 36% (you're looking at old data)</p>

<p>kmz, having a rigorous schedule is important but if your grades are trending downward then the office of admissions is going to conclude that senior year will be no different. However, if you wait and then get good grades then you have a much better chance.</p>