Hey, so I asked a similar question in What’s My Chance, but I’d really like to know if I should apply to Computer Science or Physics for Cornell. The transfer lady told me that cs has a much larger applicant pool, but physics has a much more competitive one. Oh boy. I have the credentials to apply to either since I’m double majoring in cs and physics at another top 20 university. My stats:
GPA: 3.7
SAT Superscore: 2300 (2 years old)
SAT Subjects: 760 760 800 800, physics, chem, bio, math 2
As for extracirriculars, I’ve had 2 web development internships (cloud computing this summer), but just started my research in (condensed matter and optics) physics. I did some small amount of research in high school but both projects were flukes. I don’t really have any side project to show for CS except this web app that I’m trying to code via node.js (just learning) right now. I suppose I have about a month and a half to get some results from research…not even sure where to put that on the app though. Less relevant extracirriculars: founded a org in college that deals with high school education, president of robotics in high school (no awards q.q).
I want a dual degree in cs and physics once I get into Cornell, basically I want both. The question is which to apply to for a better chance of getting in?
Are you sure you will be able to complete the requirements for both of these majors in the two years you will
have?
If the answer is you won’t realistically be able to, then this reverts back to #1.
If you will realistically be able to, after reviewing the major & other requirements vs, your available course slots. then have you considered saying that what you actually want to do is dual major in physics and CS?
I am very close to junior standing in both of these majors (already so with physics), and I am willing to spend a 3rd year (basically 5-year dual degree program), which the transfer admissions person told me I would almost certainly end up doing if I want a dual degree.
The problem is Cornell forces me to apply to ONE of these majors, so I have to choose, even if I bring up the dual degree in my supplemental essay.
I guess I should add that I’m already double majoring in physics and CS at maximum allowable courseload.
As should be obvious by now, I think generally one should simply tell the truth and let the chips fall as they may. If Cornell is not destined for you, so what, go someplace else where you can pursue what you want and also wants you, to do that.
In this case it is in no way clear which would be an easier admit to claim anyway.
So if it were me, I would look into my heart and decide which major I was actually most committed to. And put that one down.
Whatever you put down,as a junior I don’t know if it will be all that easy/automatic to switch to just whatever you want after the fact. You will be given an adviser in your stated major field. To switch majors at that point there may be a procedure to go through, and you would have to be accepted as a maor in the other area Which may not be guaranteed. I don’t know. it’s not an issue if one comes in earlier, but as a junior with a selected major is where something could possibly come up. Maybe. You might inquire.
A question I have is, it seems like you are applying to the College of Arts & Sciences, is that correct? Might you alternatively want to apply to the College of Engineering, to pursue a major in Applied and Engineering Physics? Or for that matter Computer science?
You might check out AEP. Though engineering school prerequisites may be an issue, not sure.
As a matter of interest, suggest you might take a look at the book “Numerical recipes” by Saul Teukolsky.