<p>Hi,</p>
<p>I am a junior in a very competitive high school in NJ and it is my dream to go to Cornell. I am starting to build up my resume to stand out for Cornell. I am in top 10% of my class. I started volunteering. I am involved in extra curricular activities.
But, these are things that almost every applicant has. What can I do that will increase my chances of admission?</p>
<p>Please help me out.</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>I would say, definitely do something that you’re extremely passionate about. However, at the same time, you should definitely read the requirement for the college you’re interested in. On Cornell’s website, there is this pdf document that has the “what we’re looking for” column. Definitely read that column.</p>
<p>If the college you’re interested in asks you to have “math or science related activities”, then you should of course, have those. If you do not like to do those activities, then you should not apply to that college.</p>
<p>What do you want to do when you grow up, or have you decided yet?</p>
<p>No matter what you want to do, you can always make Cornell your home. I still remember what my Cornell interviewer said. “If you get accepted, you will get a phone-book-size course catalog that contains over 4000 courses.”</p>
<p>And it was in fact, that freedom that first drew me to Cornell.</p>
<p>Thanks for the info. I will check out the website right away.I am intending to go to Engineering. But it might change. :)</p>
<p>Making grammar mistakes like the one in your title will definitely make you stand out…in a bad way.</p>
<p>LW Trojan:</p>
<p>Your comment really is not necessary. Suggestions like the following do not add insights to the ongoing discussions and are not polite as well.</p>
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</p>
<p>To the OP: If you are interested in engineering, be prepared for some tough work ahead! Make sure you’re taking the most rigorous course load available, and make sure you’re really involved in science and math-related activities. And of course, do well in high school, not simply for college admission but for your performance in college.</p>
<p>Oh and one more thing, make sure you love engineering! The first year or so may sound boring! (At least that’s how a lot of freshmen who are studying engineering feel.) Also, if possible, take advantage of courses in your community college!</p>
<p>Since you’re not set on pursuing engineering, Cornell is a perfect fit! It is very easy to change college at Cornell (except internal transfer to Hotel and Architecture).</p>
<p>I am taking the most rigorous courses. I am also planning to take summer college classes. I am also in varsity tennis team of my school. </p>
<p>Do you study at Cornell? If so, did you apply for ED?</p>
<p>I have a cousin who studies at Cornell currently, will it help me in my admissions in any ways?</p>
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<p>I do not study at Cornell. I applied for ED to CALS and as an international student, I am actually quite proud of my deferral. I am hoping for a Guaranteed Transfer. I’ll probably spend my first year at Washington University in St. Louis (accepted) or U of Chicago (nervously waiting for decisions).</p>
<p>I don’t think having a cousin going to Cornell helps. However, if your brothers or sisters are at Cornell or are alumni of Cornell, they should help somewhat.</p>