Prepping for transfer (CALS)

Colleges and Universities A-Z Cornell University
1

<p>I'm attending a community college this year and I'm extremely interested in CALS' Communications major. My current class list includes Biology, Intro to College Writing, Anthropology, Mass Communications, Freshman Seminar and most likely a Computer course. I plan on getting that excellent average since I'll have nothing but study time on my hands (and it's community college so it shouldn't be too difficult to at least push a 3.7 GPA). </p>

<p>I've been doing a number of charity 5k running events in which I've both ran and helped out in and I'm going to continue doing so throughout the fall. I'll be working two days a week as a desk clerk at a hotel and will probably join (much to the dismay of a good number of Cornellians I'm sure :P) the Republicans Club. My college doesn't offer too much else that isn't happening during the times I'm already scheduled for classes, so I'm limited otherwise on ECs. </p>

<p>Now my plan was to attend a CC for a year and in December/January of that year, fully prepare everything I have onto the transfer application along with an excellent essay (usually something similar to 'Why do you fit in CALS?' or the major you listed, correct?) and at least two professor recommendations.</p>

<p>I plan on taking the other pre-requisite courses in Psychology and Statistics next semester along with Bio/Writing II. With all that covered, I can also include a Career Exploration Internship Program that I did in my senior year of high school in the Communications/Journalism field (yes, I do understand Cornell's program is not journalism.) </p>

<p>So I've got a couple of questions. </p>

<p>1) Am I on a solid path for transfer for sophomore year as opposed to staying two years at CC and then transferring? I'd VERY much like to get in next year and have the full college experience at Cornell and not have to live at home another year or have to go through complications of transferring elsewhere and then getting into CALS my junior year.</p>

<p>2) Does CALS accept students based on major? For instance, I've heard Communications isn't as widely popular as all of the Biology majors included in CALS. Does this technically give me more leway (sp?) room when applying if they see that I can truely fit/see myself in the program?</p>

<p>3) If I only have my semester data from this first year of college, how much are they going to look into High School GPA, test scores, etc? I'm prepared to send them regents scores and SATs (would anyone here advise tossing a few SAT IIs onto my resume this fall?) but I'm afraid I was only a straight B student in HS and I'd rather my outstanding early college performances and passion for this field reflect that.</p>

<p>Definitely not asking for any easy tips or inside hints (since of course Cornell plays close to the vest when it comes to applications) so I'd just appreciate any comments and viewpoints on my situation. I wouldn't be crushed if I had to go elsewhere for a year, but like I said I would love to be able to attend next Fall.</p>

<p>In addition to all of the above, I also most definitely intend on scheduling some type of one-on-one meeting with a schools admissions officer to show additional interest.</p>

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<p>
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If I only have my semester data from this first year of college, how much are they going to look into High School GPA, test scores, etc?

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</p>

<p>You'll send them a mid-semester grade report by March. Once they have this info you're application is considered complete and they'll review your file. As an applicant for sophomore status, your HS grades will have more weight than if you were applying for junior status. However...it's not all that important as long as you have a solid GPA from your CC.</p>

<p>Just to be sure you're on the right track for transfer admission...check out cals.cornell.edu and look at transfer admissions. You'll find a link of required coursework for Communications applicants.</p>

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<p>Thanks, I have looked and researched all the required coursework and classes for Communications. I plan on calling CALS in September and let them know my plans, see if they can offer some guidance and let me know if I'm looking alright for transfer.</p>

<p>I had a question though, I was looking at the Spring offering schedule for my CC from last year (possibly not the same as this year) and I was trying to map out my schedule. I'd be taking Botany, Academic Writing and Statistics but then no Psych or Sociology classes fit into my schedule. Since I'd rather not have to take a month of Sociology over my winter break (and have to commute 40 minutes every day, early morning for a 5 hour class -_-), would Cornell accept a summer session of either of those courses? Or even better, even though it's a pre-requisite, would it be possible (if I was accepted) to take Psych when I arrive at CALS?</p>

4

<p>If Psych is a required course for applicants...you'll need to have it done or be in the process of completing it at the time of application. A summer course wouldn't be acceptable.</p>

5

<p>Actually I just found out that's one of the few courses available online next semester, so I'm all set in that category.</p>

<p>How do interviews work with CALS? If I schedule a campus visit, is that the best time to try and get an interview? My friend who applied ILR last year and got a GT for next Fall, had an admissions person come to our town to interview him, but I'm guessing CALS might work differently.</p>

6

<p>CALS doesn't do interviews</p>

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<p>I am not sure they allow Republicans to transfer... might what to check that!</p>

8

<p>Lol thanks for the interview notice. And I'm pretty moderate, not to worry ;)</p>