Junior with a Troubled Past here. Any help with chancing me?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Cornell University
1

<p>So I seriously underestimated my freshman year and wounded up with a 2.5 GPA in regular level classes. Yikes! </p>

<p>So sophomore year rolls around and I decide to seriously get my act together; I enroll in an AP class and the rest honors classes with the exception of Geometry, considering math isn't n strongsuit. Both semesters I received a 4.0 unweighted average.</p>

<p>The first semester of my junior year I also received a 4.0 GPA, taking 3 AP classes and 3 honors courses. As far as standardized testing goes, I received a 29 on my ACT in February with minimal studying; I'm taking the April ACT with intense studying and will also take the June ACT if the next score doesn't suffice. </p>

<p>As far as EC's go the only achievements to my name are: member of the academic team, Red Cross, and member of the local medical society. Hopefully I can find an internship of anything related to neuroscience for the summer in order to boost my portfolio. I also volunteer at the local church every now and then. </p>

<p>My work experience can be seen quite poignantly by the admissions counselor. I live in a very low class household, with my father working as a janitor to make ends meet. He was born in Mexico and legally immigrated to the United States in the 80's and hasn't made much progress in roughly 20+ years, he has no schooling beyond elementary school, he grew up helping his father on the farm. So I sometimes aid him in his janitorial duties (something I extremely detest, a huge motivator for me to do well in school). Technically I can be considered as an URM as well as a first generation college student. In case you're wondering about my mother, she had stayed behind in Mexico and never married my father, but I frequently contact her. </p>

<p>Since my tumultuous freshman year, I have dramatically spiked my performance in school, despite sometimes being blocked financially and bearing the burden of belonging to an extremely low-success family. I strongly believe that with my ravenous desire to achieve, even in less than desirable conditions, I can ultimately gain acceptance into Cornell.</p>

<p>Do you guys believe that Cornell can consider my sharp spike in academic achievement and increased rigor as well as my background in their decision to accept me as an undergraduate? I know it's a reach, but do I have any remote chance into gaining acceptance into Cornell. Admission into such a fine institution can help me begin to make a name for myself and finally bring my family out of the pit. That sounded awfully sappy but I really want to pinpoint my chances.</p>

2

<p>Rising trend helps. However, if you do not end up in the top 10% of your class your chances are very slim. You have a slight URM status and you have first gen status too. If you keep up with everything and continue to do well you would have a shot in ED.</p>

3

<p>Unusual circumstances make it wayy to difficult to chance you. My instinct is that your turnaround was so dramatic, that they may be able to almost entirely ignore your freshman year. However, that freshman year WAS very bad. </p>

<p>On balance, I want to say “average” chances, but that’s mostly a cop-out on my part.</p>

4

<p>Your writing style has revealed a very unique and compelling story in which you are demonstrating focus and determination to excel. Your essays will become a critical part of your application in their ability to reflect the passion you have to succeed and how the events in your life have help to drive that passion. Use their voice to your advantage and make certain that they illustrate who you are and what really matters to you.</p>

<p>I believe that most of the competitive universities will consider your circumstances and your achievements in a positive light. Will it be enough to get admitted? Only Admissions know for certain! It’s competitive for everyone but I agree with @Colene that you have a chance at Cornell, and I’ll add, similar schools.</p>

<p>Three thoughts…
First, your writing conveys motivation and academic ability…you might want to do some reading up on Questbridge.org Their application cycle starts in September.</p>

<p>Second, some universities do not consider freshman year grades in their admissions process. Do some research and/or talk to your college counselor to find out which ones.</p>

<p>Third, gain a few more hours of work experience-without sacrificing test prep and academics- be it through volunteering, helping your father, or getting an internship! Remember that you don’t necessarily have to “boost” your portfolio with what may seem to be an impressive EC added for the sake of “getting in”. Admissions committees keep in mind your “portfolio” in terms of available opportunities. If you get to intern doing neuroscience, terrific. If not, demonstrating self-study in the field while volunteering or helping you father, may be just as impressive. </p>

<p>You’re definitely on the right track! Good luck!</p>

5

<p>Honestly I think you have an awesome story and if you are 100% legit about all of this I would really love to see you in a couple years on campus.</p>