Should I Even Apply?

<p>Please tell me the truth. I don't want to waste my money applying to a school I know I won't stand a chance at. And please be honest. I don't want people telling me that I should just try to apply because I'm already at my limit with money due to apps. Here's my stats.</p>

<p>Background:
Mexican</p>

<p>GPA:
3.59 UW
4.15 W (10-11 grade)
3.99 W (GPA includes freshman, some middle school classes, and other classes)</p>

<p>Tests:
SAT: 1790, waiting for my other score
ACT: 27
SAT ii: Math 620, Spanish 680, US History 690</p>

<p>All AP classes Senior Year
Recommendations should be good, ECs are average (not CC average) </p>

<p>If there's anything that can help me in my chances, I think it will be track and field. Went to the regional championships on my first year. Looking to improve my times by at least 2 seconds in the 300 m hurdles and looking to enter the 14s in the 110s. Also, SoCal is really competitive in track and field and I am up there with the best (top 100 in Cali in the 300 m hurdles according to Athletics.net).</p>

<p>which college are you thinking to apply to? wait for your scores and see how you did but you actually never know. Sometimes your essays can make it or break it.</p>

<p>Unless you’re planning on actually competing at Cornell, I don’t feel T&F will make a huge difference for you. If you’re not going to be competing for Cornell, th. en I doubt athletic talent has much more bearing than the actual representation of the intangible benefits they see from being part of athletics (teamwork, leadership, hard word, etc). Basically if you’re not on a Cornell Team, then good athlete is the same as a phenomenal athelete (in admissions). </p>

<p>Also, a little off topic, but you want to improve your time by 2 seconds in the 300 (330?) hurdles…? People can train for years an improve by tenths of a second, especially if you’re already approaching your peak (which, judged by your success, I would say you are). The only way I can really see that as being feasible is if you aren’t well practiced in the 330, and your training is more towards improving your hurdling form (which could drastically chnage your time). If you are that fast though, I would consider contacting Cornell Athletic Department and talking to the Track coach over here. </p>

<p>Just general tips: Cornell (like most colleges), will probably put the most weight on your UW GPA and then critique your courseload on their own (since most schools have a different scale of how to weight grades). </p>

<p>Overall, I’d say your chances aren’t 0% because of your URM status, but they aren’t great.</p>

<p>Yeah, I am thinking about competing at Cornell or any university that I go to. And about my times, I know I can drop them because I’m still new and, like what you said, I still have more to improve on.
desi_chick: I would apply to the college of arts and sciences, if that makes a difference.</p>

<p>hmm. well CAS is one of the “harder” schools to get into within Cornell after Engineering from what I hear but like roneald said, your chances aren’t 0%. you might just get a chance. if Cornell is your dream school, go for it.</p>

<p>Your stats are on the low side, but you do have the URM and Track working for you.
If money is really an issue for you, I would consider saving it.
But like desi_chick said, if it’s your dream school, you have to go for it.
That way, you’ll at least have closure.</p>

<p>to put it this way, its not my dream school, but its a school that if i were to get admitted it to, i would accept. it has what i want to learn, perfect location (i like the cold way better haha), it has a great academic program, etc. but if my chances of getting into cornell is really low, then i dont want to waste my time and money for something that i know for sure i wont get into.</p>

<p>I don’t think anyone ever knows FOR SURE that they are getting in. If you want a guarantee, you are probably not going to get it.</p>

<p>mom3xy: no im not asking for a guarantee. sorry if i put it that way. when i meant really low, i meant like 0-10%.</p>

<p>If I were you I would contact the track coach to see if they are interested in you. It may be the hook you need to get in.</p>

<p>i got another quick question. is everything in the common app self reported like the UC and CSU system. i have two teacher recommendations so i dont need one from my counselor right? i think im going to apply to cornell and see if i can get hook ups with the track and field team haha</p>

<p>don’t apply to Cornell. rampant cheating goes on there through frats. you don’t want to be at a place like that.</p>

<p>so is everything self reported or not? i havent talked to my counselor about my applying to cornell and we’re on break. do we need them to send info to them or is there any other way? please help! x-mas is almost here and i need to send them a notification ASAP…</p>

<p>@Ny0rker
LOL But didn’t you apply ED just a few weeks ago? I guess this revelation of “rampant cheating” occurred fairly recently. Move on, dude.</p>

<p>Just make sure you get your application and supplemental application in before the deadline. You will need a guidance counselor recommendation but that can be submitted after the deadline. You can send your GC an invite through common app or print off a paper one for them to fill in. Just talk to the GC as soon as you get back from break and let them know you applied and need the recommendation. You’re OK - relax and enjoy the holiday.</p>

<p>Apply away! If Cornell is your dream, give it your best shot.</p>

<p>Mom3xy, thank you again for giving me an answer! Really appreciate it. And like i said, Cornell isnt my dream school. its that one school for me that if i were to get into, i would take the opportunity to go, but if i were to get rejected, i wouldnt care that much. Thanks for your help guys!</p>

<p>hey malan,</p>

<p>yeah i did. i love cornell i was just pointing out something i was told before i got my admissions decision (after i applied)</p>

<p>i have moved on though, thanks and have fun there!</p>