I need to know what I need to do to improve my chances for Cornell

<p>Currently a junior...my ceiling is MIT but I wouldn't mind Cornell University.
Want to be an aerospace engineer/astrophysicist</p>

<p>Grades:
GPA (weighted): 4.537 (as of end of sophmore year)
(unweighted): 4.0 (as of end of sophmore year)
PSAT: 191 :(
AP Classes taken: AP Calc. AB (5)
taking: AP Lang. & Comp., AP Calc. BC, AP US History, AP Biology</p>

<p>Extracurriculars:
Community service through Key Club + Interact Club
Math Club
Physics Club
Academic Challenge
Future Medical Leaders of America (even though I'm going into engineering I am in the club
because we will be entering many science competitions)
NHS
NEHS
Math Honor Society
Science Honor Society
Foreign Language Honor Society</p>

<p>Leadership:
Not yet..... :(</p>

<p>Awards:
Valedictorian (1 out of 230 something)
Finalist in 2013 Central New Jersey Brain Bee (neuroscience competition)</p>

<p>Work experience:
Calculus tutor</p>

<p>Keep your grades up, study hard for the SAT, and get some leadership positions. And get some ECs that you simply enjoy - I’m guessing, something related to aerospace engineering/physics. ECs are very important at these colleges, and you won’t get far with just a bunch of clubs that you’re a member of.
PS: there’s no reason to make duplicate threads. If you want to add some info, either edit the original post or add a reply.</p>

<p>Cornell is obviously pretty fit based, so definitely work on focusing your ecs, and don’t bother putting clubs you aren’t involved in on your app. Also, don’t give the adcoms any reason to turn you away with a low sat or act, because the sad reality is even though you’re clearly smart they have plenty of similar kids applying with 2200+ or 32+. Figure out which test works better for you and run with it. Good luck!</p>

<p>tagging onto ivanov’s suggestion about leadership: how about starting a rocketry club at your school? there’s all kinds of competitions supported by corporations in the rocket-making business like Northrop-Grumman. Friend of family got involved, went off to Florida Inst of Tech, graduated, and is happily working as a govt contractor on the Space Coast of FL.</p>