I’m spending an awful lot of time scrolling when users copy another’s full post- and only part of it is needed. Maybe none.
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OP, here’s the issue, as I see it.
You’re mistaking determined optimism for digging up the facts and details. It’s a youthful approach, very high school. Maybe charming in the hs context. But this is the college leap, you’re expected to find your own truer understanding. At least, to think on that level. Instead, we’re going in circles. We offer solid advice and you come back with more optimism. In the end, any of us can perceive that as empty.
You ask us to tell you what you should be doing- eg, for better Cornell transfer chances. You should be looking on your own. Applies to all kids who feel they’re worthy of a tippy top.
You assure us you have a wider list, you throw in bits about how you’ll be ok with a reject. But if you can’t show an effort here, it doesn’t add up.
It didn’t slip notice that you’re overall ignoring our advice…but the instant your GC says something, you respected that.
You need to get cracking. I feel you need to get off CC and take this seriously. Skip the 'tude noted and ‘Just Do it.’
Many of us have advised kids and seen them try. We see how they process. Then the final decisions how to proceed belong to them. But they’ve advanced. I’m not sure you’ve gained much from this thread.
I think you should take some of the energy you are spending here discussing your desire to go to Princeton and use it to search for schools where you are likely to be admitted. It’s fine to have reaches (everyone should have these!), but your main focus should be on finding a safety school (one where you are highly likely to be admitted and to be able to afford) that you would be excited to attend. I have been on this site for over 10 years, and have seen far too few applicants who really take their safety schools seriously.
So, yes, try to get your scores up. Try to take a few AP classes and excel in them. Apply to Princeton and Cornell if you want, but most of all, find your SAFETY!
After reading and considering all the advice here, this is where I’m at:
I’m going to do what’s in front of me. I will continue to work my hardest in high school (I’m now at a 96 average this quarter) and will enroll in AP courses next year, as well as more honors. I will also continue to prep for the SAT, because the content covered is important to know, and depending on the score I receive, it could be good to list. I’m also going to continue my current extracurriculars with a heavy emphasis on leadership and writing. I’ll also try to get recognition outside of my school in the form of awards.
And then, I’ll apply to college. Maybe Cornell will be on the list, depending on my position at that time. If I don’t get in (which is almost certainly going to be the case), I’ll try to get into my other top choices, some more selective than others, and will choose at that point.
Then, I’ll try my absolute hardest in whatever school I’m in. After a year, I’ll consider my options. If I like the school, I might not transfer. Nonetheless, I want to try my hardest in pursuit of getting the best education possible.