Some questions regarding ILR at Cornell and transferring from SUNY Binghamton

Colleges and Universities A-Z Cornell University
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<p>Hi everyone, I'm new to these forums, so I apologize if I'm posting this in the incorrect place. Anyway, as the title of this post indicates, I have a few questions, and any and all responses would be greatly appreciated. </p>

<p>First off, I'm currently a senior at a fairly good high school, which sends at least a few students to Cornell each year. CALS at Cornell was my dream school for the past several years, and I had intended to major in something Pre-Vet-related. I applied to CALS early decision, but was denied. Unfortunately, I only applied to 3 other schools, as my requirements were somewhat specific - ie, the school needed to offer the programs necessary for someone pursuing a career in the veterinary field, and preferably in NYS so as to reduce the cost of attendance (read: I'm poor). The second-best school I applied to was SUNY Binghamton, so for now I have no choice but to attend there this fall. </p>

<p>Now, I currently am considering going into Environmental Law rather than becoming a veterinarian. Thus, my first question is what would you suggest I major in? </p>

<p>I am considering attempting to transfer to Cornell after my freshman year at Bing, but would like to know how good the school of ILR would be for me regarding the field I wish to go into. </p>

<p>For anyone interested, my grades aren't that high, but I've only recently really started trying to achieve higher grades in school. As of the end of my junior year, my weighted average was only a 96.4; I have always taken the most rigorous courses offered at my school, however, and am an IB Diploma Candidate, and am currently taking AP Calculus AB (though doing somewhat poorly in it: I've somehow managed to maintain an 86 unweighted avg since the beginning of the year); I've been in my school's research program since 9th grade, but was removed from it this year because I was unable to find someone to mentor me so that I might conduct research over the summer to be entered in the Intel Science Research competition, but I've participated in the DuPont Challenge, as well as in the Long Island Science Congress twice (the first time receiving a Certificate of Recognition); I am in several of my school's honor societies, and am the Vice President of History Honor Society and Secretary of Science Olympiad (which I have been a member of since my sophomore year, and have received medals in an event twice); I have fenced on the school's junior varsity team my junior and senior year; and, that's really about it. xD;; I might be forgetting some stuff, I'm not sure, lol. </p>

<p>Thanks in advance!!</p>

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<p>ILR is good prep for law school...but if you're considering environmental law...you might want to consider majoring in something environment related...like the Natural Resources major in CALS (not sure what other majors there are here along those lines). I think you could also take ILR classes if you want.</p>

<p>You should have a chat with your HS guidance counselor...or...wait until later this summer/fall and chat with people in ILR admissions and get some advice from them.</p>

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<p>I see; so then, perhaps I might just reapply to CALS in order to transfer...</p>

<p>Thanks! =)</p>

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<p>Oh, another question I forgot to address initially - how good would you say my chances are of being accepted as a transfer to Cornell from Binghamton after my freshman year, assuming that I'm able to maintain an overall grade of at least A- or A, maybe A+, but am not in the Honors Program at Bing? </p>

<p>Thanks again!</p>

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<p>This is an interesting thread because the OP is already considering transferring from one university that he or she has not even attended for one day, to a school that rejected him. Along the way he wants to change majors before even entering college. Additional points of concern, or "red flags", is that no teacher was willing to supervise his research during the senior year of high school. Another concern is that the OP feels limited to state supported schools due to financial concerns. This student is not receiving good advice as financial aid is available nationwide and many schools are need blind. Typically, an uncertain student with financial concerns considers community college, or junior college, for a year or two. To the OP: To which other schools did you apply? Have you already been accepted to SUNY at Binghamton? Or to any other school? What are your standardized test scores? Cornell University may or may not be a realistic option for you--we need more info.</p>

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<p>icy9ff8- </p>

<p>First of all, my reason for transferring is because Cornell is my top choice, and I'm really set on going there. The reason I am merely CONSIDERING transferring, rather than DEFINITELY INTENDING to do so, is for precisely the reason you bring up: I have not yet attended Binghamton University, and am fully aware that I might end up preferring to stay there. </p>

<p>As for wishing to change majors, from what I have heard there is nothing wrong with that. My reasoning is that going into environmental law might better help me to accomplish my ultimate objectives, whereas, as I realized only recently, going into the veterinary field would not. </p>

<p>As for the fact that I was unable to find a mentor, yes, that must undoubtedly appear questionable to you, or to anyone reading this post. The circumstances were somewhat abnormal: I was not told that I must find a mentor until March or April of my junior year, and admittedly, yes, it is partially my fault, in that I did not begin searching for a mentor immediately (I wished to consider a topic to research prior to contacting potential mentors).</p>

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<p>"Top choice" or not, if you don't have the standardized test scores to give yourself a reasonable shot at an Ivy League school, then you may be exacerbating an already confused situation. Have you taken any SAT II exams? The SAT I exam? To what other schools have you applied? Have you been accepted to any schools yet? Your posts demonstrate your thoughts and desires, but it is difficult to offer any meaningful advice without more information--especially some hard data such as SAT scores, for example. Transferring to Cornell University is quite common, but many, if not most transferees have a guaranteed transfer option from Cornell University. Since you applied & were rejected without the offer of a guaranteed transfer option, it is unlikely that you will be able to transfer into Cornell. Your reluctance to share info. is okay, but any advice that you receive will probably be worthless and may keep your hopes up when in fact there may be much better alternatives than just setting yourself up for another disappointment.</p>

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<p>The other schools to which I applied are University of New Hampshire at Durham (which I had not even truly intended on attending) and Rochester Institute of Technology. I have been accepted to all 3 of the other schools to which I applied (Binghamton included), as well as invited into the Honors Program at both UofNH and RIT. My SAT I score is as follows: Critical Reading: 670; Math: 640; Writing: 720. I have not taken the ACT. My SAT II scores are: Biology E: 690, Chemistry: 540, World History: 610, U.S. History: 600, Literature: 660.</p>

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<p>firestar...I agree, it might help us to know your stats. I got into CALS after one year of college with a 4.0 college GPA, great HS GPA and so-so standardized test scores.</p>

<p>If you wish to come in as a sophomore, more weight is placed on your HS stats in addition to your college stats. If you wait to enter as a junior, most weight will be placed on your college GPA.</p>

<p>I highly recommend you put a lot of thought and effort into this idea of transferring. You may like Bing and not want to leave (it's a great school!).</p>

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<p>I should be finding out sometime soon (by the end of this month) whether or not I have been invited to the honors program at SUNY Binghamton.</p>

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<p>I apologize for not offering information on my standardized test scores and other colleges to which I applied initially - it was something I simply forgot to mention. I am not at all reluctant to share my stats.</p>

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<p>The Binghamton Scholars Program, SUNY Binghamton's honors program, usually looks for a math & critical reading score above 1360/1600 SAT I scores as a minimum although different standards apply to the different schools within SUNY Binghamton. You have a 1310/1600 SAT I and are an unlikely candidate for the Binghamton Scholars Program, in my opinion. Typically students accepted into the RIT Honors Program receive a scholarship. UNH University Honors Program admittees also receive scholarships for partial tuition. You are a maginal candidate for admission to Cornell University; to significantly increase your chances for transfer to Cornell, you will need close to a 4.0 GPA and a position of leadership during your first year of college. You always have a chance, my proffered opinion is an effort to help you maximize your chances for transfer to Cornell. Tip: Do not tell anyone at school next year that you intend to transfer as it will hurt you socially and, possibly, grade-wise as well. Transfer intentions are on a need to know basis such as a required teacher/prof. recommendation. Remember that many of your classmates at SUNY Binghamton consider Binghamton as their dream school. And you may also. Good luck! I think that you may be pleasantly surprised at your options as attending RIT or UNH honors programs are significant honors with significant opportunities.</p>

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<p>I realize this, but was told at the information session that they also look for a hs avg of 94 or 95 and up, so there is still a chance, small as it might be. Regardless, if I do not make it into the Scholars Program, does that mean I have no chance of being able to transfer to Cornell during my sophomore year, should I desire to do so?</p>

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<p>I have a friend who was accepted to CALS - they have a weighted average of approximately 99, and an SAT score of under 600 on Math, and an overall score of at least 100 points less than mine.</p>

<p>They have been captain of our school's male track team, and have other qualities which might distinguish them amongst other applicants. However, although they were able to attain a mentor to conduct summer research, they were unable to enter their research into the Intel competition, as it was not deemed to be "good enough" by his teacher. </p>

<p>This person applied early decision like myself, was deferred, and then accepted with the regular decision applicants, yet he had been admitted into the HOEP program. My financial aid needs are similar to his (my family has very little income).</p>

<p>If this person had a chance, do I?</p>

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<p>Regarding the fact that I feel the need to only apply to schools within NYS, that is not merely for financial concerns; it is also because I wish to be somewhat close to home. I am aware that there do exist financial aid opportunities in schools outside of NYS, but attending a SUNY school would be the cheapest option for me, given the circumstances.</p>

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<p>Did they get in this year for HEOP program?</p>

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<p>did they get into cornell HEOP this year?</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

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<p>Yes; this is actually a concern for them, as our graduation ceremony will not occur until June 27th, and they are required to attend the university on June 21st if they wish to enroll.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

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<p>did they get into HEOP this year?
when did they get their accpt. letter?</p>

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<p>They received their acceptance letter this past Wednesday or Thursday, I believe.</p>