<p>@synchronizer I would absolutely apply again! Like you said yourself if anything it will show how determined you are to get in. I actually think that it is a good thing you did apply for Spring because know they will know how badly you want it and that you are not willing to give up. I think this will make you a stronger applicant next time. </p>
<p>I applied ONLY to Cornell actually…and I realize that computer science must be a competitive major. I don’t think the essays were the problem. They explained very well my interests (drawing levels, maps, planning games, composing music by ear, as well as writing, editing, and helping others with writing.) My particular situation makes it very difficult for me to participate in these activities, and Cornell has many departments open school-wide that are only available to majors.</p>
<p>The problem was the math SAT score, which, although alright, does not look good for someone interested in computer science. In the extra section I highlighted my AP Calculus score in an attempt to show my credibility. Actually I fear that might have been too presumptuous.</p>
<p>I study mathematics for fun now, so I really have changed.</p>
<p>Overall, I was happy with my application. Maybe one flaw is that the interests I described (mathematics? fun? for someone who had previously done “okay”?) were difficult to believe. My writing is very formal, but maybe my descriptions were too exaggerated. That would be a ridiculous reason.</p>
<p>I think it was probably the geographic/ethnic factors that hurt me the most. (I am, however, Eastern European and understand another language at home, so I am not “average” at all.)</p>
<p>Really I am well-balanced overall, so I have difficulty seeing myself <em>not</em> being accepted because I was lacking in these areas.</p>
<p>Maybe they perceived my inability to engage in these activities as lazy, but I did not want to go in-depth about family problems and hardship, which DO make it nearly impossible. -frequent long-distance commuting, struggles in other areas that I do not feel comfortable describing in detail.</p>
<p>The other factor is that as a sophomore in a liberal-arts-driven program, I have only been able to take my first intro to programming (for those with NO experience) this semester. I love it, and I work ahead of the class FOR fun. My professor shared a flash program driven by a python interface and I learned how to manipulate it in unintended ways.</p>
<p>Maybe I applied for the wrong major…I have not confirmed, but so many of my interests are connected with computer science. I suppose that Cornell wants experienced students, but what I have is the ability to learn quickly, experiment, and be creative.</p>
<p>So really, it’s a lack of experience, lack of extra-curriculars, (Though I write independently, write with students independents, have written music for student films, etc.), (I doubt a 3.925 would hurt me), and.</p>
<p>To tell everyone the truth, I don’t know what happened. I didn’t get the opportunity to submit supplements, and was even discouraged from doing so, and much of my work has to be seen/heard.
An interview option would have been helpful if it existed.</p>
<p>Anyway, I would be able to obtain an additional recommendation from my computer science professor, that is, if it is even intelligent to suggest that I want to pursue computer science rather than literature (I have MANY writing classes).</p>
<p>This is still what I want to do, and the unfortunate reality is that in my current program, I am prevented from registering for the next computer science (101, Java) course for an extra week, simply because I am not in the program. At this moment, even if there is still a chance to be admitted, my plans are under attack.</p>
<p>Anyway, my common application is locked, and my essays are still relevant. How may I gain permission to resubmit a modified version, and what should I omit? or… would it be possible just to request that my application be reconsidered as-is, except with a few changes?</p>
<p>Of course I have contacted the department and will hopefully hear shortly.</p>
<hr>
<p>A long post, it seems.</p>
<p>ADDITIONAL: My additional information section might have been too lengthy, but again I do not think that my essays were the deciding factor. I wish the SATs were not considered. They really are irrelevant, except for the writing section that is assumedly not even relevant to the university.</p>
<p>@synchronizer “I think it was probably the geographic/ethnic factors that hurt me the most. (I am, however, Eastern European and understand another language at home, so I am not “average” at all.)”</p>
<p>I highly doubt your ethnic background hurt you. Apply again for the Fall when you will have more experience. Cornell is a school that gets a lot of applications. Lots of capable people were rejected. It happens. Do you best and try again. </p>
<p>The problem is the cost and gaining access to financial forms–again.</p>
<p>(I have been trying to keep everything <em>almost</em> secret. I do not want the additional stress of everyone else asking ME about my stress relating to admissions.)</p>
<p>My common application, however, is locked. I have to wait for a response before I can attempt anything, but maybe I will have to create a new application and insert the same information.</p>
<p>I would much prefer it if I could simply have the application kept in record, and just append new information.</p>
<p>From my understanding I would have to have professors sign forms AGAIN, and then I would have to mail transcripts again. (Except for high school transcripts). I hope that this does not come as an embarrassment.</p>
<p>Anyway, thank you for the advice, though I still wish I had an opportunity to explain the housing/financial struggle without compromising the quality of the application. Also, as I wrote, there are many interests that I described in the essay that are related to visual arts, design, music, and writing that isn’t provided.</p>
<p>I hope that reapplying would not be too much of a problem.</p>
<p>Applying to CAS as a spring transfer is like trying win the lottery. </p>
<p>I did not know that…at all. I thought it was similar to applying early decision, to show interest.
Does that mean I have a fair shot if I resubmit everything?</p>
<p>I wouldn’t want to tire admissions by sending the same essays though… unless it’s a different group every time or the addition of a well-written, relevant letter would suffice.</p>
<p>The common application will not let me change anything though.</p>
<p>I would appreciate any advice.</p>
<p>Thanks all.</p>
<p>I’m also applying for SHA! Fingers crossed!</p>
<p>Anyway, is it even worth trying again? I do not want to spend time reapplying if I was not seriously considered. Of course, I hope that I was and that I do have a significantly greater change at gaining acceptance for the fall, after having demonstrated interest via my first application and once I have completed another semester with the relevant class. (-and with the addition of another letter of recommendation)
I would hope that I <em>was</em> seriously considered though.</p>
<p>EDIT: A tangent but… “if I was not” … normally one uses “if I were” for hypothetical situations, but when a situation could be the case, but is unknown, I normally say “If I was” with emphasis on “was.” Would anyone here know the rule?</p>
<p>hey everyone, been browsing for a while so I figured Id contribute. Anxiously waiting a decision.</p>
<p>Major: ILR
GPA: 3.85
Current School: T 15 business school (honors program), studying economics + public policy
Midterm: 4.0
SAT I - 2170
SAT II - US history 750, Math II 770
Activities - E-board of debate club, economic team leader in investment group, founder of squash club
Volunteerism - Teaching a local high school class, tutor/mentor to local kids 10-15 years old, therapy dog owner
Hooks: first generation college student, 1/4 native american
HS - gpa: 3.3 (unmotivated prick in high school), tennis team captain, varsity soccer
I think my essays are fairly compelling and that my recommendations are pretty solid.
Anyone else applying to NYU or BC?</p>
<p>@hugoblack would you mind posting your stats? I realize that transfer admission to Cornell (particularly ILR) prioritizes “fit” over stats, but for some reason I’m still curious how I compare quantitatively.</p>
<p>@synchronizer if your only shot at an intrinsically satisfying education is at Cornell then reapply in the spring. After all, its the rest of your life on the line. You sound like a competitive and passionate applicant and sometimes spring admissions are just a crap shoot (probably CaS more than others). A friend of mine was a highly competitive applicant to CALS last year (2240 sat, 3.6 from NYU, volunteered for 6 months in africa) and was rejected from Cornell but accepted to Colombia GS and Dartmouth. That said, consider the opportunity cost of another semester 1/2 year of your life. Is it worth it? Is it worth the chance of rejection? </p>
<p>Also, the subjunctive mood is appropriate in that situation because there is an expression of uncertainty. Some may argue that past tense is acceptable because English has developed into a less precise language over the last couple centuries. </p>
<p>@transfer603 </p>
<p>Thank you for the suggestions. I may decide to have my application reconsidered, depending on the response I receive from the school.</p>
<p>I should add that I am at a great university already, though it is completely different from Cornell in terms of environment and academic offerings. It’s far more compartmentalized than Cornell is, so it prevents me from pursuing many of my interests. I think that I had a valid reason to apply and still do. It should say something that I would be willing to transfer only to Cornell, and mainly for academic reasons (as opposed to reasons related to prestige).</p>
<p>I will view the experience in a positive light; now I have more time to explore computer science and demonstrate my abilities.</p>
<p>My SAT scores: I wish they were not considered, as they no longer reflect my abilities, and I never though they did. As for activities: I mainly focus on private projects or collaborate with others, though I don’t hold absolute leader positions or travel abroad…yet.</p>
<p>It is difficult for me to apply to a school that expects a student to take action, be involved, be a leader, and contribute to the community; I sent the application in order to participate in such ways, since it is difficult to do so now. (That, of course, is related to family/living/current school complications.) </p>
<p>Anyway, thanks again. It seems that I am not unfortunate.</p>
<p>@synchronizer Where are you right now?</p>
<p>And anyone received their decision yet? What financial aid documents do you guys have to do?</p>
<p>@dreamer155 For some reason my student federal tax returns are still showing up on my To Do list even though I’ve sent it in like two times.</p>
<p>I just have some IRS forms to turn in by Jan 2015</p>
<p>Anyway, thanks for the thoughts and advice all.</p>
<p>So, I guess we’ll hear about decisions next week for everyone who hasn’t gotten any news? </p>
<p>@sophbrook how do you know that? can’t they come the week after that too, or did you get that information from somewhere? </p>
<p>@cornellSHAemma I looked at Spring 2014 transfer thread and there have been the same patterns of acceptances. Last year, the majority found out before December, but a few found out the first week of December. </p>
<p>Has anyone received a decision from ILR today?</p>
<p>I think Cornell will release some decisions tomorrow… some guys received a decision on Tue. I’m waiting for SHA decision.
Good Luck! ;)</p>
<p>I really hope ILR releases decisions soon</p>