I am a student halfway through my junior year of HS and have around a 4.24 W/3.76 UW GPA and a 35 ACT. I also have AP test scores of 4s and 5s, decent SAT II scores, extracurriculars, etc.
However, I live in California, and my parents want me to attend UCLA, as it is very close to home. I am aware that UCLA is an excellent school and I have no qualms in going there. However, I have always wanted to go to Cornell, and with my stats, think I stand a decent chance, especially if I apply ED.
My parents still aren’t completely open to me applying to Cornell ED because they feel it’s too far from home, and also are a little unnerved by the binding commitment. They also feel that it’s not one of the “best” Ivy’s, and rather than go to a “lower-tier” Ivy, I might as well go to a top-tier UC and save some money.
By the way, money is not an issue in that if I was admitted to Cornell, we would be able to meet the costs. However, UCLA, being an in-state applicant and all, would certainly be cheaper, and this is of significance.
How can I convince them that it will be a good decision for me to apply to Cornell ED?
You need to convey to them why you want Cornell over a Cali UC. Certainly academic excellence should be a talking point. And I know from my own DS experience, it’s difficult letting go and letting our son travel cross country but it’s an amazing experience.
Make the case why this is your moment and speak to the specifics about why the school is a good fit for you!
Good luck.
I know this isn’t what you want to hear, but if money is an object, don’t do ED. You’l just create a contentious relationship with your parents, especially if they are contributing substantially. I say you’re solid for Cornell RD and you should apply to a variety of schools to compare your aid/merit packages. I hate to say it, but It’s very possible your parents have the right idea.
I agree with rougesneakers. As a parent, I know it is important to me that I can be available if needed in a matter of hours. I did not put a limit on the distance but I was far more positive about schools within a few hours of home. That becomes important in emergencies and also for breaks. If you have solid scores and grades, you’ll probably get into Cornell RD. But you can also entertain other schools between California and NY. I hear there are some other excellent choices that are within a 4 hour drive of your home.
@lostaccount - I disagree that strong stats alone are enough to get into Cornell RD. It is a far distance and Cornell knows it’s less likely a Californian will attend over people from the east. Yield affects ratings and they want to admit those they believe will attend. Plus, fit is a considerable issue. My D got in ED; no one from her school (we’re in the west) with similar stats ever got in RD to Cornell. ED significantly increases chances, esp when coming from across the country.
That said, it is very far and hard to get to. My D does not come home for thanksgiving or spring break because it’s so expensive and a very long trip (and winter weather can get in the way). She’s fine with it because she hangs out with her friends out there (it’s harder on the parents). And, there are so many great schools in California. Every family is different. It was my D’s first choice and she LOVES it there. She worked very hard to get there. And if she’s happy, I’m happy. Not all parents would agree with that, though. Sorry, OP. Maybe your parents will come around…
My daughter was an ED admit also. We are a 12 hour drive and weather can be an issue be it plane, train or car. Driving around Lake Erie and Lake Michigan in the winter can be touch and go for sure. She also does not come home for mid semester breaks and I don’t know if she will come home for spring break. We may go and see her for a few days and head to Niagra Falls.
Also, stop with the “lower-tier” Ivy stuff. Sounds like that’s an excuse from your parents. Cornell is a fantastic school, hard to get into, and harder to get out of than most.
My parents weren’t convinced until we visited. Maybe a trip up might convince them but definitely try and show them all of the amazing opportunities Cornell offers.
@rougesneakers@lostaccount ah you guys really think so? but I feel like ED will give me a much better shot at Cornell, and also will relieve me of a lot of stress since I’ll know whether or not I’m accepted in December.
do you think my stats would give me a shot at cornell RD? or do you think that they would only help if I applied ED?
@Renomamma Thanks for the valuable input. I definitely agree that CA has some of the best public schools (UCs and others) but Cornell is just Cornell! But I also agree that especially as a CA applicant, ED would definitely give me a large advantage. If you don’t mind me asking, based on your D’s stats and such, would you say I have a chance at Cornell ED?
@TiggyB62 Yeah, it would definitely be hard to make visits often.
By lower-tier, I was basically saying that they don’t think any Ivy is worth going to other than HYP because some of the top-tier UCs like LA and Cal are comparable to some of the Ivies. I definitely agree that Cornell is a great school though, and I hope they’ll realize the benefits too
@CCSenioritis Good idea, definitely. If I may ask, what exactly was it that convinced your parents after they visited? Was it just the campus overall, the people there, the environment, etc.?
@kaukauna Sadly I don’t think that $75 will be a huge convincing factor for them @GMTplus7 Yeah, I already tried that. Unfortunately, since my parents’ income is >200k I don’t qualify for much aid.
Agree… honestly, I would not pay for Cornell if my kid had Cal in-state. I might pay for a different experience, but I see the two as pretty comparable academically.
If you don’t mind me asking, why Cornell? Think of this as a trial run for your parents. Try to convince me.
Have you been there? Have you ever gone through a winter in central/upstate NY? Just curious if this is a theoretical attraction or based on real experience?
From your parents’ point of view, the difference over four years will likely be around 150K. That’s not pocket change.
My advice would be to visit Cornell (if you haven’t already done so) and apply RD instead of ED. Yes, ED would improve your chances to some extent. But you also need to consider your relationship with your parents. Your ACT is very strong and if you keep your grades up, you should have a reasonable chance of admission RD.
Also, I would look at other options in California. Perhaps a school in the UC system that is a little farther from home might be a reasonable compromise. I don’t anything about private schools in CA that might offer merit scholarships, but I’m sure there are other people here who do. There are some nice options in the Pacific Northwest - not of Cornell’s caliber - but if you want an experience that is different than a large state university, that might be one place to look.
Remember, there’s always grad school! After attending my state U, I got into Cornell for grad school with full funding. Got into UC Berkeley too … but with no funding!
