It’s been three days and I’m still speechless. It still hasn’t sunk in. I don’t know how I got in, but hell am I thankful to be Cornell ‘23. I genuinely thought I wouldn’t get in because one number (my GPA) in my application was lower than other people.
Numbers
GPA: 3.67 UW/4.05 W. That translates to 8 Bs.
SAT: 1520.
SAT Subj: 750 math 2
0 APs Freshman-sophomore year. 3 APs as a junior. 4 as a senior.
Awards
Basically nothing. AP Scholar is all I can think of. I haven’t won any “major” awards.
ECs
I play viola and have been for 8 years now. I’m all-region. I’m part of my school’s top orchestra. I play in a chamber group outside of school. I play at recitals myself too.
Lifeguarding for 2 yrs
Volunteer work at local elementary school teaching kids for 3 years. 150 hours or so combined.
Football for 4 years and letterman
Gov School
2 Service Academy Summer Programs
2 other smaller summer programs
I build PCs and help my friends build their own.
Part of 3 honor societies and VP of one, in which I actually have to do stuff in.
Conclusion
To end, I’d just like to say that you don’t need the greatest stats to go where you want, regardless of your demographic. Admissions officers see them so much from all groups that it becomes bland. However, you most definitely need authenticity and passion for what you do. Do the ECs not to impress colleges, but rather to impress yourself. Take courses not to improve your GPA, but rather learn about something new.