New Forumer - Chance for Cornell/ Other Ivies?

Colleges & Universities A-Z Cornell University
1

SAT: 2240
ACT: (Hope to take and get 34+)
SAT II: Bio - 800, Math 2 - 800, Chem 710

GPA: 4.0 Unweighted at Ranked School
Class Rank: ~Top 5%
Completed APs: AP Calc AB, AP Calc BC, AP Bio, AP Chem, AP Physics I, AP US Gov, AP Lit, AP US History
Senior Courseload: AP Psych, AP Lang, AP Stats, AP Physics 2, AP French, Human Biology 1&2, Human Biology Lab, Multivariable Calculus, Evolutionary Biology

  • - At State University

Extracurricular/Achievements:

Research - (Biomedical)

  • Paid Summer Fellowship at NIH Funded Lab
  • Conducted & Presented Research (gave presentation)
  • Published Short Report
  • Regular work with local university lab as well

Music -

  • Various Individual Jazz Awards such as Berklee Judge’s Choice & other festival Improv. awards
  • Section Lead in state festival placing jazz band
  • Section Lead in concert band for 3 years
  • Member of District & All-State Jazz Bands
  • Member in local university youth ensemble

Academic-

  • State Science Olympiad 2x Gold, 2x Silver, 2x Bronze Medals (Also Captain)
  • State Science Bowl Finalist Team
  • Math Team 3x Individual League Medal (Also Captain)
  • AIME Qualifier
  • in various “Honor Societies” & minor clubs

Volunteering -
~150 hours with Local Hospital, Underrepresented Health Clinic, Local Library

Athletics-

  • JV Basketball, JV Soccer, JV Tennis

Demographics: Nothin’ Special

Hooks: Major Health Struggles -> Influenced Who I Am & Want To Be -> Energized Passion For Research

2

Health Struggles is not a hook but could inspire great essays, as long as is presented in an ‘overcome’ way (vs. a pity party). Hooks are things like URM, legacy, recruited athlete, living in Wyoming, having a disability. Basically anything a college needs in their student body.

Without being hooked your chances are probably half of those advertised. All of you academic achievements will get you to the final rounds but what actually gets you in will depend on what Cornell needs. Honestly the most unique thing you have is the All-State jazz band so highlight that as much as you can. Besides a few reaches like Cornell, apply to several match schools (5 or 6) and one or two backups so you have good options. Good luck!

3

Thanks. I definitely want to highlight the music aspect - I’ve plan on sending a studio level supplement & possibly getting a recommendation letter from a few Jazz musicians I’ve worked with.

Also if the medical condition is legally considered a disability, but is often unrecognized (not major like paralysis), is it worth including that it is a disability?

4

Your stats are pretty solid for both Cornell and the other Ivies in my opinion. But the problem is, that’s the case for many applicants. You should work on anything you still can (such as essays) and hope for the best. You have a good shot, so I would say definitely apply.