Legacy

Colleges and Universities A-Z Cornell University
1

<p>I have applied ED to the College of Arts & Sciences. I am a senior at Plano Senior High School in Plano, TX - a very competitive school. My GPA is a 3.7, SAT is 1860 - 640 math, 610 verbal, 610 writing. I am taking 6 AP classes this year, already scored a 4 on US History exam last yr, and have taken a rigorous course load my whole high school career. I have been on the baseball team every year as a pitcher and been involved in Spanish Club, Psychology Club, and other leadership roles in and out of school. </p>

<p>Yeah, I know, my grades and scores are on the lower half of the spectrum when it comes to Cornell. The thing I have going for me (I hope) is that my dad graduated from Cornell. How much of a difference does this make in increasing my chances to be admitted, especially early decision?</p>

<p>Thanks in advance to all who respond.</p>

2

<p>I think it depends on how active your father is as a cornell alumnus. If he just attended the school 20 or so years ago and that's been the extent of his involvement, then it won't make much of a difference. Your stats do seem a bit low, but there's no harm in trying. Good luck!</p>

3

<p>I don't think it will help unless he consistently has donated money. Your stats are pretty low, I don't think you have a good shot, especially considering the Arts and Sciences admit rate (18%). You shouldn't depend on legacy status to get you in.</p>

4

<p>Legacy won't make up for poor stats in getting admitted, but it may get you a second look in close decisions. Check out the link to the Class of 2009 Profile and see where you stand.
<a href="http://dpb.cornell.edu/irp/pdf/FactBook/Admissions/Undergraduate/profile.pdf%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://dpb.cornell.edu/irp/pdf/FactBook/Admissions/Undergraduate/profile.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Then go to the Enrollment Pages to see details for each College</p>

<p>Endowed Link <a href="http://dpb.cornell.edu/irp/pdf/FactBook/Enrollment/Undergraduate/current_end.pdf%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://dpb.cornell.edu/irp/pdf/FactBook/Enrollment/Undergraduate/current_end.pdf&lt;/a>
Contract Link <a href="http://dpb.cornell.edu/irp/pdf/FactBook/Enrollment/Undergraduate/current_con.pdf%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://dpb.cornell.edu/irp/pdf/FactBook/Enrollment/Undergraduate/current_con.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Applying ED should help( 41% admissions rate as opposed to 25% RD), as should being from Texas (for Geographical Diversity only 4% of the Class was from the South West & Mountain States last year)</p>

<p>If your school ranks, being in the top 10% or better, would help.
<a href="http://dpb.cornell.edu/irp/pdf/FactBook/Admissions/Undergraduate/Freshmen/top10.pdf%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://dpb.cornell.edu/irp/pdf/FactBook/Admissions/Undergraduate/Freshmen/top10.pdf&lt;/a>
Last year 83% of the entering class of A&S were in the top 10% of their HS Class (of those whose High Schools reported Class rank)</p>

<p>In your application you should focus on what your interests are, why you want to go to Cornell and what you plan to contribute to campus life if admitted. It's sort of irrelevant that a parent attended, if the school is not a good fit for you.</p>

<p>Good Luck</p>

5

<p>it'll help but it won't get you in. i'm a legacy too, and i have a sibling there, but im not banking on it</p>