<p>I've heard that applicants rarely get admitted to their second choice of school. I suppose it wouldn't hurt to write an additional essay and apply to the second school, but is it worth it? If it helps, my first choice is CALS (NY resident if that means anything) and my second is CAS</p>
<p>Can’t hurt but not very likely. You have a better chance at CALS than at CAS because 1) you are obviously more interested in CALS and 2) CAS is generally more competitive because half of the applicants to Cornell apply to it.</p>
<p>When it happens, it’s usually because Cornell thinks you’re better suited for another college and area of study, depending on your essays, grades, ecs, etc, i’m pretty sure.</p>
<p>I forget where this stat was posted, but I think only something like 2% of students are admitted to their second choice school, and I’d guess it’s for the reason cortana431 outlined. A hypothetical example I could think of is someone who applied to CAS with the intention of majoring in Econ, but with an essay/ECs that demonstrated a strong business focus/aspirations. Maybe it was clear in the essay or in an interview that the student didn’t know the distinctions between Econ and AEM (a common question on these boards, so not out of the realm of possibility). Also, if you are accepted to your first choice school, the second school doesn’t see your app. </p>
<p>FYI, the NY resident thing I don’t think really helps for CALS. CALS is simply more attractive to NYS residents because of the cost, so more students apply there from NY.</p>
<p>My son was accepted to his secnd choice a few years ago. He only picked it because I pushed it. Was rejected very quickly from the first choice and accepted to the second. Go figure.</p>
<p>I also say that because i remember a thread or 2 last cycle saying that the poster got a letter from cornell saying he/she was accepted to their second choice because “cornell believes they’re a better fit for that school and area of study.”</p>