Tips, Advice, anything to help me become a Big Red

Colleges and Universities A-Z Cornell University
1

<p>Hello, I am an Indian student who completed High School in March this year. I had applied ED to Cornell to the class of 2017 last year but unfortunately, I didnt get in. I'm not satisfied with the colleges that I have been accepted into, so I decided to take a gap year and explore what I plan to study. I'll admit, my application wasn't Cornell-worthy last year. I made the stupid mistake of not reporting many things in my application. This year, I plan to leave no room for error. Anyone at Cornell, or experienced with admissions in general, feel free to comment/advise me on things I could do, criticize my chances at getting into Cornell. I apologize for the long post.</p>

<p>Highlights of my application (which I had sent in last year):</p>

<p>SAT: 2150 [Two attempts. First attempt: 1910, second attempt: 2150 (Math=780,CR=670, Writing=700, essay=10)]
SAT Subject tests: physics: 790
Math II: 800</p>

<p>Essays: average. I would grade them 8/10.</p>

<p>ECs: low. I participated in a few MUNs in 12th grade. I made a CS (Computer Science) Project that I had sent in with my application. I was the president of the school Science Club, and a part of the School's Reader's Club. Didnt report the rest.</p>

<p>Community Service: didnt report any</p>

<p>Recommendations: excellent, got them from the Heads of Departments of Physics, Computer Science, and Chemistry in my school. </p>

<p>Academics: I was always in the top 1% of my class in school. I always ranked first or second in my class from the 9th-12th grade. All our tests and exams were scored on 100, and my scores have always been at least 20 points above the class average. I have received many prizes for excellence in various subjects all through High School.</p>

<p>That was what I had sent in last year. I had applied for CS majors. This year, I plan on applying for CS and Math majors because they both seem to interest me. I am also planning on applying for financial aid. I will be needing around 80% financial aid.</p>

<p>So, here's what I plan to add to my application this year: </p>

<p>Update community service: </p>

<p>1) nearly 100 hours of work in the year 2011-12.
2) I am making a database of blood donors as part of a "Blood Donation Awareness Drive." I am working alone on this project and was recruited by the people in charge of this drive. I started working on this project earlier this month. </p>

<p>Academics:</p>

<p>1) I took 5 APs in May this year. I didnt take any formal training or course for these. I self studied them. I have taken the AP Chemistry, Computer Science A, Physics B, Physics C: E & M, and Calculus BC exam. I should score a 5 in CS and both the physics, and nothing less than a 4 in the rest.</p>

<p>2) I had not reported that I had participated in an International Math Olympiad organized by the Science Olympiad Foundation in December 2012. I had ranked 491st internationally in the 12th grade division.</p>

<p>3) I am taking numerous MOOCs mainly from Coursera. I am taking a few courses at my pace (so I will not receive a certificate at the end of them) while the rest, I am following the deadlines to receive a certificate from the instructor. From the top of my head, I know I am taking around 6 courses in all so far. By the time I apply ED, I should have completed at least 12 or more.</p>

<p>Miscellaneous activities: </p>

<p>1) I am learning new programming languages. I have already learned Java as part of my high school curriculum. I now plan on learning C++ and Python.
2) I am planning to start my own youtube channel where I plan on teaching ISC Computer Science (11th and 12th grade computer science) to all those who have pursued CS in high school. I have understood the subject well. I want to share with them the way in which I have understood it.
3) I plan on taking the SAT I for the third and final time in October. I have already started preparing for it. I am looking to do extremely well this time because I know that a 2150 is a very low score for an international student applying to Cornell.</p>

<p>Thank you for bearing this long post. Advice of any kind will be appreciated.</p>

<p>Edit: there are numerous ECs that I had not reported. I will report them this time.</p>

2

<p>You seem to have a lot of great things going. Here’s my advice, FWIW:</p>

<p>1 - Get your essays to 10/10 status. </p>

<p>2 - Harness your CS expertise and do something extraordinary with it. Teaching classes on YT is great and will benefit many, but by itself is not exceptional. </p>

<p>3 - I don’t think community service is as important as many think it is. IMHO the best way to serve the community is to be as valuable a member as possible, which very well might mean to investing your efforts towards developing your skills that benefit your passions, rather putting your efforts into low-skilled volunteer work.</p>

<p>4 - Have you considered getting involved at a community college for your gap year? Take classes and get involved in the club/academic scene on campus. A great way to build connections with professors, meet intelligent people, and find ways to enhance your skills and passions.</p>

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<p>Hey! I’ll be majoring in CS as well. If you don’t mind me asking (I’m a curious person), what type of project did you do that you sent in with your app? I will be going to Cornell next year, but I’m from the US and I hear being an international applicant that needs financial aid makes everything much harder.</p>

<p>Your SAT scores are okay, but I’d work on that critical reading one. They probably won’t care so much about writing, and your math is good, but below 700 might not look so hot. You have lots of good CS-related ECs, and your GPA and whatnot seems fine. The Math Olympiad thing is really cool, congrats on that. I had lots of independent CS-type activities, kind of similar to yours (Coursera, programming apps, etc). I think what really will get you over the hump is your essay - I think I did a good job with mine and honestly that was probably what got me in. ED is also a huge help.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

<p>One last thing, I’m not sure if you specified but I couldn’t find it: did you/are you applying to Engineering or Arts and Sciences?</p>

4

<p>Thank you for the advice guys! </p>

<p>@BaldEgo: As for (1) I have already started working on my essays. I dont want to wait all the way till August till Common App opens. I read the release on their website about the new prompts. I am currently working on those. </p>

<p>As for (2) I am exploring things I could do with my knowledge of CS. Since this is the first thing that came to my mind, I thought I should carry it out. I’m still looking for something extraordinary though.</p>

<p>(3) I feel that community service is the only thing that is lacking in my app, so i thought I should work on that. No harm in adding that, is there? </p>

<p>(4) Yes, I have enrolled at a community college here. I will be taking various classes in econ, math and CS. I’m looking forward to those too.</p>

<p>@firecy: I’m taking the SATs in October. I already started studying for those too. I’m working mainly on CR and writing, i feel i am well versed in math. I want a really high score, i’m being ambitious by targeting a 2250+, but hey, I’m working just that hard too.
I am working on quite a few CS projects now. I want CS to be the highlight of my app. And, I’m thinking of applying to the College of Engineering. Don’t mind me asking, what’s the fine line that divides the CS major from both these schools?</p>

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<p>Alright. A 2250 is tough, but definitely manageable I think. Good luck!</p>

<p>As far as the differences between schools, I considered that a bit before I applied. The core curriculum seems to be pretty similar, it’s the electives and outside classes that are different. Arts and sciences will require you to take more liberal arts type electives, where if you’re in engineering your electives will be more math/science related. Also, if you go to the engineering program, you’re math and science classes will be tailored towards engineering, so you’ll learn (I assume) more about the applications of the math and science.</p>

<p>I chose engineering because I would much rather take math or physics electives than liberal arts ones (I’m going for a minor in math), but that’s just me. Also, you might want to take advice from someone that knows a bit more about this than me, or look up for yourself the general requirements for each school.</p>

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<p>Alright, cool, I’ll look into that. Thanks for the advice so far. Hopefully I’ll see you there next fall!</p>

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<p>Bump <10char></p>

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<p>I am pleased to report that I scored 5/5 in all the 5 APs I had taken!</p>

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<p>Out of curiosity… What other schools did you get into that you weren’t happy with?</p>

<p>I thought about applying (rising senior) but after seeing how you were rejected - I’m sure I would not get in.</p>

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<p>I was probably rejected because I submitted a sub-par app and asked for too much aid. I got into Drexel University with 15k aid(which wasn’t enough). And I got accepted at HKUST, and a few Indian Colleges too but nothing can beat the college experience that is Cornell.</p>

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<p>…bump? I would really appreciate help of any kind.</p>

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<p>Also, I got my AP scores back. I scored a 5/5 in all.</p>

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<p>Uh, sorry about that. I didn’t see that I had already mentioned that^. My apologies.</p>

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<p>Speaking as one for whom the second time was the charm (denied without even a waitlist offer for freshman, accepted for transfer) – but on the other hand all this happened while Reagan was president – here’s a few thoughts:</p>

<p>(1) Taking a gap year has its merits if it’s something you really want to do…whether or not it actually enhances your admissions chances. </p>

<p>There comes a time when enhancing your admissions chances has to end – and enhancing your life has to begin.</p>

<p>(2) On the other hand, I’m convinced that my college year made the difference for Cornell, by showing I could work hard, kick butt and take names even after high school. </p>

<p>(3) Not to mention, on the one hand with a place like Cornell transfer admissions is <em>at least</em> as difficult as freshman admissions. On the other hand, they may respect you for your determination and persistence…that’s not even close to a guarantee, mind you but it can give you a little extra edge.</p>

<p>(4) Rumor has it that these days some top universities, possibly including Cornell, are specifying on some denial letters that the applicant may want to try again…not a transfer <em>guarantee</em>, but transfer encouragement. Can someone fill me in?</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

15

<p>What are some benefits of taking a gap year? I’m just curious. I think it’s too late for me to consider it, but I’m sure others out there will benefit from your insight.
I honestly don’t have the courage to take a gap year!</p>

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<p>It’s hard to put down all that I learnt this year in words. To summarize-</p>

<p>a) Helped me find myself- know about my strengths, weaknesses, philosophy on life. It helped me know why I do the things I do, and what prompts and motivates me to do the things I love doing. If you’re keen on knowing yourself, this is the time.</p>

<p>b) I got to work in startups, internships- I got these chances straight after high school, and so I put my programming abilities to test. Not only did I realize I have a long way to go, but I also learned how to stick it out in the professional world and come out the underdog. Working in these places was more of a confidence booster.</p>

<p>c) Do things the 12th grade me would never do- This is the most important. I made it a point to make full use of all my time to do things I would’ve never done. This was my only chance to explore new activities and expand my horizon. I can proudly say that it’s the best decision I ever made. I can now play you a nice tune on my violin while reading a novel to you in German.</p>

<p>d) Took online classes- I took various online classes to prevent the inner nerd from dying. I took a myriad of classes on a wide range of topics. Learning’s always fun.</p>

<p>So, these are the few basic things I did in my gap year. What can you take away from this? A gap year will help you experience things you wouldn’t ordinarily experience in high school or college. It’s a character building experience. (Scientifically it’s been shown that students who take a gap year tend to perform better academically in college. If you’re interested in facts.) That’s that. That’s what you get in a gap year. But of course, no one told me that when I took one. If you want to take one, and you think you have the courage to re-apply to college after the end of one, do it. If you think you can start your own company in the gap year, do it. If you want to do something in the year and aren’t afraid of not going to college, DO IT.</p>

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<p>Have you considered applying to some other top universities, like MIT? Why are you so attracted to Cornell? Just out of curiosity.</p>

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<p>Well, I had considered other ‘top’ universities last year. This year I decided to take a little practical approach. </p>

<p>Why Cornell? </p>

<p>Multiple reasons. For starters, I have received great inputs from a close friend who’s now a senior at Cornell. Over the years, I have got to see Cornell through his eyes, and I loved what I saw. Shenanigans aside, I am drawn to Cornell’s reputed pressure-cooker academic rigour. I want to attend a college where at no point I can complain of being ‘bored’. I want to keep myself occupied at all times. A prospective CS Major, I particularly love Cornell’s CS program- the classes, resources, professors, everything. I am looking to get a PhD in Computer Science, and the research opportunities I get even as an undergrad suit my future goals immaculately. Granted, other top universities also offer these same things, but what makes Cornell stand out for me after that are the little things. A city boy who’s never seen snow will love the infamous Ithaca climate; a boy looking to grow as a person will love the diversity offered by a 20k+ student population; a guy who’s dying to get mud on his hands will love Cornell’s athletic opportunities like hiking, sledging,and even backpacking. </p>

<p>So in a nutshell I’m attracted to Cornell because it has all that I want from my second home.</p>

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<p>@Lolface849 I stumbled across this thread while looking into some questions regarding Cornell. I just wanted to say I am rooting for you and hope you post an update. </p>

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<p>Haha, I’m sorry for not updating this post. I got rejected on ED. I appreciate the sentiment and support! Should you want to know anything about Cornell, feel free to message me. I’ll try to help in any way I can! </p>