<p>I'm starting to get a bit nervous since my ACT score is definitely not up to the level of people here. I don't think it's going to get any higher than 28. I'm in the top 2% of my class, countless music EC's, and have a 3.98 gpa, so will this awful ACT score ruin any chance I have in getting into Cornell? </p>
<p>Have you tried the SAT? Most people do well on one or the other</p>
<p>SAT is slightly worse. I study but never do well. </p>
<p>I wouldn’t say you have “no chance” of getting in. 21% of 2013 admits had ACT scores between 23-29. however, I would imagine that a good percentage of these were recruited athletes, under represented minorities, or had another type of “hook”</p>
<p>My older son had a little higher GPA but an ACT of 25 and had taken it twice with much prep along with SAT. He could never get his scores up since he was unable to finish the sections. Timed tests were always his weakness, but he managed to explain his slow, methodical nature in one of his assays and he was accepted to many good schools (not Cornell also he did not apply). One test result is only 1 day in your whole academic career. A high GPA is a better indicator of success since it is an accumulation of 3-4 years of work. All you can do is apply and hope for the best. Good Luck.</p>
<p>I got in with a 28, but then again I’m a “underrepresented minority”. Also, Cornell offers/forces students who they feel are “in need” to go to their school in the summer and learn more. I was not offered/forced to do this program, so that leads me to believe that they still felt I could handle their school with a 28. By the way, because I felt a little insecure about my scores, I made sure the rest of my application was perfect, ,especially essays. You need to do the same. Good Luck! And comment if you get it :)</p>
<p>Also consider test-optional schools</p>
<p>Thanks for all the advice. I’ll just have to make sure other aspects of my essay are perfect. I’m just frustrated that this one little part has so much weight even though in itself it’s meaningless and represents one day, not me as a person. </p>