Cornell is my dream school and I definitely want to apply ED to the CoE because there is no other university that I’d ever want to pick over it. However, I have a fairly low SAT according to Cornell’s standards (2050) score so I’ll be doing the ACT in October (no other dates are available where I live). I’m aiming for a 33 which seems feasible since that’s the score I’ve gotten on all 5 practice tests I’ve done so far with no studying. I know that Cornell accepts October ACTs for early decision applications but, I also have to do subject tests in November. I’m afraid that both tests won’t arrive before my application is reviewed. Should I just wait until the regular decision round? I feel like that’s the better option but then I won’t have the huge advantage ED brings.
Make sure you can afford Cornell before you apply ED.
Apply ED if you feel like you can finish everything before the deadline and be mentally prepared for a rejection come December as more than 70% of applicants do not get accepted in the early round. Make sure that you will be able to finish your apps before the ED decision comes out so the decision won’t affect you mentally.
@rdeng2614 So are you saying if I can finish my application I should apply ED? Regarding my mental preparedness, I’m as pessimistic as you can get hahah it definitely won’t be surprising at all if I get rejected.
I mean applying ED gives you essentially a free boost so why not?
It may seem far away, but November 1 is actually quite close and the application and essays require a lot of time to complete.
Apply ED only if you – and your parents – can answer these questions affirmatively:
- Do I absolutely KNOW that Cornell is my top choice?
- Given the results of Cornell’s NPC, can I/we afford Cornell?
Cornell ED requires that you take the SAT 2 tests no later than October. Are the October tests offered where you live? If so then you should take them in October. You can take them a second time (for colleges other than Cornell) if you’re unhappy with the scores later in the year. ED gives you a significant admissions boost. Cornell accepts 1/3+ of the class during the ED round.
@TopTier Yes, fortunately we don’t require any aid and Cornell has been my top choice for a while now.
@fogcity On their site it says most November subject tests arrive before applications are reviewed. I know most is not all but I’m hoping I won’t be one of the unlucky ones. Unfortunately, October tests are neither offered here nor any close country I could travel to.