First of all, I am an international student and is currently taking AP course. My SAT and Toefl is tbh really good. Reading and writing section was a 760 and math was 790, adding up to a 1550 (new SAT obv.) My toefl was a full mark: 120. But I have not a really high GPA, which is a 3.89 weighted. I do have a highly increasing trend for my gpa since freshmen, but I am still worried about my GPA since it is really not satisfactory. My ED dream school is Cornell Hotel school and other schools that I wish I could get in would be NYU, UCLA, UCB, Emory… etc. Our school will submit our midterm scores (coming up next week). Do you guys think if I get a good midterm score, it would improve my probability to get in Cornell??? I am so worried.
Will you need financial aid to attend? Make sure you can pay for these colleges. You have a chance of being accepted at some…but you will need to be able to pay.
How are you going to pay for UCLA and UCB. There is no need based aid aid there for international students. @Gumbymom do the ICs give merit aid to international students?
This from Emory:
“Emory’s admission process is “need-aware” for international students. This means that when reviewing applications, we must consider whether students who are not US citizens or permanent residents have requested financial aid and/or review their ability to pay for an Emory education.
As a result, there are limited funds to assist international students on the basis of need. Apply for financial aid only if you have no other resources to fund your education.”
And NYU does not guarantee to meet full need for all acceoted students.
I’ll be very honest and my family can totally afford for Cornell and all the schools I am applying to. I am not considering financial aid for any of the schools I am applying.
Then apply and see. But I would suggest you apply for aid during your first year anyway unless you have $300,000 or so already stashed away to pay for your college costs. In some cases, if you don’t apply as an incoming freshman, you won’t be eligible to apply for institutional need based aid in subsequent years.
My worries are if I apply for financial aid, will it impact my probability to be admitted to these schools. My GPA is not quite high at the first place and I do not want to lose my chance of getting into these schools just for financial aids. All I really care about now is if my scores actually do have a good chance to get in these schools (especially Cornell)
1 Like
Of you need financial aid, apply for it. If you need aid in subsequent years, you won’t be able to apply for need based Cornell aid unless you apply when you apply for admission.
Per the Cornell site:
“ Applicants who anticipate the need for financial assistance at any point during their undergraduate course of study at Cornell must apply for aid when they apply for admission.”
So…like I said…if you think aid will be needed later on….apply now.
I think you are missing my point 
I’m just asking if my scores are good enough for Cornell, nothing else.
4 Likes
Apply and see. Your SAT score is terrific. Your GPA doesn’t align with that terrific SAT score…but apply and see. You can’t get accepted if you don’t apply!
Your gpa and test scores are good. Remember that US GPAs are higher than most other countries. Admission officers know that.
The most important thing for Cornell Hotel School is industry experience in hospitality. Make sure your application emphasizes that for Cornell.
1 Like
Your scores are fine. Your grades may be ok. Being “really worried” about getting into a college with a small acceptance rate is a waste of time. You can’t change what you have. Apply and see what happens.
5 Likes
I have a certificate for an internship in Marriott. Would that help?
1 Like
That makes so much sense. I’m just getting a little too nervous for my application that is coming up in a week… thanks
Yes, an industry internship helps!
And strong midterm grades can be added to your application.
Good luck!
guess that the last thing I can do now is to try my best on my midterm. Thank you 
1 Like
Are you applying early decision? If not, what does your two week comment mean? If applying ED, your midterm grades will not be part of the mix.
Cornell hotel school is competitive. If you don’t get in, the reason won’t be your stats. Focus on the other parts of your application.
Your scores are great. Your GPA may be as well – it depends on your school. (At my kid’s US school, a 3 89 would have been one of the highest GPA in 5 years. At many schools outside the US, the scale is less generous.) It helps that you are full pay. All you can do is submit your best.
3 Likes
Being an international full-paying student can also be an advantage since these colleges look for diversity in their class. The internship would be important since it conveys your passion. Your GPA and test scores are good enough that the colleges would like to know more about you.
A few things you should pay attention to if you have not already done so -
- Attend virtual information sessions and tours
- Do a lot of research and spend time writing your “Why college” essay
- Make sure your personal statement shows your unique qualities
- Apply ED to Cornell and don’t ask for any aid
Finally Good Luck!
1 Like
Cornell’s hotel school is test-blind this year, so they will not see your 1550.
3 Likes
Of all Cornell’s programs hotel is easiest. But save your money and go to a cheaper school like UNLV, South Carolina, or any school with an inexpensive program.
Hotel = poorly paid and needing work experience, not a hotel degree. If you want to move up in a hotel corporate brand office,major in business or data analytics. If you want to run a hotel get a job at the front desk and grow into sales.
Not sure your UW GPA but full pay will help. But 3.89 weighted is lower UW so unlikely. But hotel school is the easiest admit.
1 Like