so i’m an international student looking to apply to Cornell for early decision. I’m aware that in the early decision process, Cornell only requires transcript from grade 9 until the mid term (current) report cards. I’m in my first year in IB but I’m not doing too well. My current score is at a 34 (history HL:6, econ HL:5, eng HL:6, math studies 5, bio SL:6 and my native language:6) However, I’m good at writing so I’ll write a stellar essay (hopefully). I’ve also won national level awards for debates and MUNs, and I have a debate scholarship as well as a law scholrship to two different universities. I also hold a lot of leadership positions at my school, and I recently took the SAT and I’m looking at a score around 1400 (out of 1600). With my current IB score, what are my chances of getting into Cornell of I’m applying for early decision? Thanks!
Do you get other grades beside IB scores, or are IB scores your class grades? Are you at least top 10% of your class?
we dont have those ranking systems (top 10%, etc), but my other scores include SATs, subject tests and toefl. They’re definitely one of the better ones.
FYI - college counselor recommendation letter (form) will include how you are ranked, top 1% or top 10%. Have a discussion with your counselor on how he/she will rank you.
Stellar letters won’t obviate the importance of grades. If you are not doing well, by your own admission, you are probably not a strong candidate for Cornell. That is especially true when coupled with your SAT scores which, while strong by some standards and which are well within Cornell’s published 25%-75% range, won’t offset the influence of less than stellar grades.