should i even apply?

<p>My scores are low, however I have decent EC (I hope). I know my academic information is not appealing, but I would hope that Cornell would understand that I come from a VERY small public school... I obviously have to study hard for SATs, bc it isn't looking too good. But do I have a chance?</p>

<p>SAT: 560 CR; 650 M (I know they're awful. I'm retaking in October.)
Ranking: 6/82
GPA: 3.7? U
AP: US History - 4
English Language - 3
English Literature - taking this year
Calculus AB - taking this year
...my school doesn't offer much...</p>

<p>Varsity Field Hockey (4yrs; Captain)
Varsity Indoor Track (4 yrs; Captain)
Varsity Track & Field (4 yrs; 2yr Captain)
-9th in state championships in javelin; 6th in discus in regionals
Math League
-3rd overall; 1st female overall
High School Bowl
Yearbook
Church's Youth Group
Church's Sunday School
National Honor Society
-Secretary
Student Council
Spirit Week Committee</p>

<p>Won "Voice of Democracy Audio Essay Competition"
Excellence in Pre Calculus (School recognition; 11th)
Excellence in English (School recognition; 10th)
"Scholar" in State-Wide Performance Test (10th)
Excellence in Biology (School recognition; 9th)</p>

<p>Went to Girls' State
Harvard Secondary School Program ('07, '08)
-Took two Harvard Summer courses</p>

<p>A bunch of volunteer stuff that I don't feel like typing out...
etc, etc.</p>

<p>oh, and i'm 1st gen -- neither parent went to college</p>

<p>Are you a minority?</p>

<p>Not a chances reviewer, but what state are you in? I ran track too, those are some pretty cool accomplishments.</p>

<p>need to know your race...</p>

<p>also what state/city/region...</p>

<p>need to know if other students at your school go to cornell...check with your high school counselor for a HIGH SCHOOL PROFILE (general info about your high school).</p>

<p>Definitely apply! The admissions office is looking for diversity , not record-breaking test scores. While scores are factored in along with gpa, there are a TON of others things that they look at when making a decision on an applicant.</p>

<p>not looking too good except for the activities...give it a shot</p>

<p>I have only one thing to say: GO AHEAD AND APPLY!</p>

<p>Hey, life is too short to sit there and wonder around. You can only apply to college early-decision once in your life, so might as well let it be Cornell.</p>

<p>Remember that SAT isn't everything. The admission officers were high school students once, they know and understand the feeling towards SAT better than anyone. Many of them simply believe that SAT/ACT is full of crap.</p>

<p>Thanks for all of your messages.</p>

<p>update: I took Oct SATs and got 610CR, 660M, 660W. Not perfect, but definetly better.</p>

<p>I'm not a minority. (white)
My mom (single parent) makes <50,000 (I'm not exactly how much she makes. She is too embarressed to tell me, but I know she makes less than that).</p>

<p>I live in Connecticut [but in one of the smallest/poorest(/worst) schools in the state].
No one from my school has ever gone to an Ivy League.</p>

<p>Might as well give it a shot, I was the cross-country captain of my school too as well as in most of the same clubs as you and my SAT scores weren't stellar. But your extracurriculars seem fantastic :)</p>