I just got my junior grades back

<p>I am still confused what division I should apply to.
I always thought Engineering was my specialty because I am good at math and science.
However, I now realize that I don't really feel that passionate about Engineering major.
Engineering really compelled me before because I can do whatever I want in the future if I graduate with an engineering degree, and go into a graduate school.
I thought I would just give it a shot whether engineering could really be my specialty.
But now I hear from a lot of people that it will be really tough if its not my thing at the first place..
Also, I figure that engineering department usually requires higher number stats than other departments.</p>

<p>I don't know what kind of department I should apply to.
Choosing the right department would really give me more chance of getting into Cornell..
However, I also want to make sure that whether the department is "right" for me.
I am really confused.. and I need some thoughts and advices.</p>

<ol>
<li>It is possible that I would go back to Korea after I graduate from Cornell, and run a business by myself. (management)</li>
<li>I am a typical Asian who's good at math and science, but I also enjoy singing much.</li>
<li>Even though I don't see myself as a future scientist, nano-technology and computer science interest me. I am just afraid that the curriculum might not fit me.</li>
<li>I am really confused and paranoid.</li>
<li>Applying to Cornell as ED</li>
<li>Do you see me as a moderately strong applicant?</li>
<li><p>Some thoughts and advices?</p></li>
<li><p>I really envy you Cornellians! </p></li>
</ol>

<hr>

<p>GPA : A in regular is 4.0, A in honors/AP is 5.0</p>

<p>Note: my class rank is relatively really low because I had to take ESL and essential classes in my freshman year, and regular classes in my sophomore year, and finally I could start taking AP and honors classes in my junior year. My guidance counselor told me that he hasn't ever seen this kind of progress in 10 years. However, I am still worried that the admission office would see my class rank and class rigor as problems.</p>

<p>Freshman (3.8) - I came to the U.S. this year. I couldn't speak English..
Concert Choir A-
ESL A-
ESL US history 2 A
Essential biology A-
Gym A
Plane geometry A
Spanish 1 A-</p>

<p>Sophomore (4.1) (starting to speak English..)
Algebra 2 H A
Chemistry A
Gym A
Choir A-
English1 A-
Spanish 2 A
US history A</p>

<p>Junior (4.77) - speak almost fluently in English
AP Stats A
EMA honors A
English 2 A
Gym A
Spanish 3 H A-
World Civ H A
Physics H A</p>

<p>Senior (4.9 projected)
AP World
AP Lang & Comp
AP Calc BC
AP Physics
Spanish 4 H (Should I skip spanish4 and take AP Spanish if I can?)
English 3 H</p>

<p>My class rank and GPA were as low as they seem since I was unable to take honors classes in those two years. In my freshman year, I first had to adapt to the new environment and learn the languages at the same time. Since I was in Essentials and ESL classes, I had to go up to regular classes first, in order to place myself in higher courses.</p>

<p>As a junior now, I am finally in all honors classes except for my English class. Next year, four APs with two honors.</p>

<p>ECs
Internship at an engineering company 2009
Auditioned Choir 1 (Men)
- performed in various places
Auditioned Choir 2 (Men and Women)
- performed in various places
Solos at concerts
Multicultural Club (Vice President)
FBLA (Vice president)
Stock market club (Vice president)
Chinese Club
Model UN
Tri M - (Music honored group)
-Jazz ensemble
National Honor Society
Science League
Took AMC10 and AMC12
AIME Qualifier
Debate Club JV
Volunteer at nursing home 100+
Teacher Assistant at Korean school 100+
Winter track freshman and sophomore</p>

<p>SAT 2170 Math 800 Reading 680 writing 690 -> I decided to take my forth SAT in October
SAT 2 MATh 2c 790 1c 770 chemistry 780 Physics 680 (retake in Nov?)
TOEFL 110+</p>

<p>bump…</p>

<p>look at information science or operations research engineering…</p>

<p>From a Cornell '13er: Your grades show an upward trend, which is good. But this, however, is only one part of the application. You have goot SAT scores for Cornell since Cornell has much lower scores than other Ivies.</p>

<p>You’re status in all aspects are good, and what you need to think about is how to stand out in the pool. There are many more like you but problably only one like you will be selected fro admission = you have to stand out.</p>

<p>My advice is that you think long and careful about your essays and make them as good as possible.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

<p>Just a sidenote, ED will improve your chances drastically.</p>

<p>And oh, will you apply for FA or not?</p>

<p>If they look at you as an international student it will be extremely hard getting in. I don’t know which category you will fit in.</p>

<p>Thank you for your comments!
I have a green card and since I have lived in the U.S. for 3 years now, I am not in the international students’ pool.
I am not applying for the FA, and I’m applying ED.
Do you think I have chances?</p>

<p>Also, I’m giving SAT one last shot in October.
It is going to be my 4th try because I already took SAT 3 times.
I heard from some people that 4 SAT scores could hurt my chances
What do you think?</p>

<p>I think you stand a good chance, dare I say admit.</p>

<p>Now with scorechoice you could send only the scores you wish for Cornell to see.</p>

<p>GL!</p>

<p>oh my god!
you came to the US freshman year, and got a 3.8?!?!
GREAT shot! Good grades, good stats, and your situation certainly is impressive.</p>

<p>I heard Cornell does not accept score choice so I have to send all the scores…
I really appreciate the encouragements guys!
Would anyone suggest me anything that I should do to improve my chances?</p>

<p>

What the hell are you talking about?
Cornell
SAT Critical Reading: 630 - 730
SAT Math: 670 - 770
Penn
SAT Critical Reading: 650 - 740
SAT Math: 680 - 780
OMG, 10 POINTS!?!?! HUGE DIFFERENCE!</p>

<p>Harvard:
CR: 700-800
M: 710-790
W: 700-800
Avg: 2250
2250 = 99.21% percentile (1 in 127)</p>

<p>Penn:
CR: 660-750
M: 690-790
W: 680-770
Avg: 2170 = 98.11% percentile (1 in 53)</p>

<p>Cornell:
CR: 640-740
M: 680-780
W: 650-740
Avg: 2110 = 96.84% percentile (1 in 32)</p>

<p>To me one in 32 is much lower than one in 127. Duh. And one in 53 is almost statistically twice more selective than one in 32. Furthermore, Penn is the lowest SAT score wise Ivy after Cornell. So statistically speaking Penn is almost twice more selective and the other Ivies are even more than that.</p>

<p>Since when did Cornell release the middle 50% for writing?</p>

<p>wont be easy. your sat is okay but you took it 3 times . . . i dont suggest a 4th time unless you are confident you can boost it to 2300. your grades are soso. but you are asian so you got to distinguish yourself/beat the rest of the asians which isn’t easy.</p>

<p>yeah… that’s pretty much what I think right now.
but I’m already a rising senior and there’s nothing much that I can do besides raising my SAT scores and contemplating about the essays.
Do you have any other suggestion?</p>

<p>Thanks for your reply.
Best wishs…</p>

<p>your scores and gpa are more than fine.</p>

<p>scores wont distinguish you from other asians, your essay will</p>

<p>Altough I’ve forgotten where I did get the newest and most up-to-date scores the one year old are found here: [College</a> Navigator - Cornell University](<a href=“College Navigator - Search Results”>College Navigator - Cornell University)</p>

<p>As for the new scores I know it was a reliable source but I’ve forgotten where I found it, some months ago.</p>

<p>Edit from above. The above link is up-to-date.</p>

<p>My scores are 10 up on each section because there’s a difference between enrolled and admitted students. All colleges post SAT midsections of their enrolled students making the admitted range slightly more competitive.</p>

<p>I’ve never seen that. Thanks.</p>

<p>Any suggestions for my essays?</p>