Transfer to Cornell SHA/ILR - What are my chances? (will chance back!)

Colleges and Universities A-Z Cornell University
1

I am indecisive between applying to SHA or ILR of Cornell. I am really drawn to the SHA program in Cornell but I am not confident to outcompete other applicants who are also considering transfer in 2016 Fall. ILR is also a great option for me as I am lenient towards a Economics/Business oriented program (I hate to say, yet also a more viable option), so I need some advice to make the best decision. Thanks!

Personal Information:

  • International (Hong Kong)
  • currently freshman at a midwestern “Top 10 Public School in US”, according to US News
  • Asian/Male
  • current major: undeclared (maybe Psychology + Economics)

ACT:

  • taken once
  • Composite: 33 (E: 34/M: 35/R: 29/S: 34)
  • Writing: 29

SAT:

  • taken, but will not report

HS Grades:

  • 99.5th percentile in local National Examination (HKDSE)

College GPA:

  • 4.0 UW (17 out of 18 max. credits) for Fall Semester
  • Calculus 1, Microeconomics (Intro), Animal Biology (pre-req. for psychology major) and ESL
    *I know my classes don’t look challenging but they are the hardest I could take since my HS credits are not transferred into college. (local educational system, no IB or AP)

ECs:
(HS)

  • Volunteer; ~300 social service hours with childcare center/elderly’s home/community of the disabled etc.
  • External Secretary; Joint School Volunteers’ Association, inter-school voluntary group with 500 members
  • Organizer; Charity Ball that raised 2,000USD for ORBIS, housed 300 guests
  • Leader; Madrigal Team, champion among 50 other teams
  • Chairman; Senior Choir/Mixed Voice Choir, champion in Hong Kong Schools Music Festival + organized competition tour to Cork, Ireland (planned itinerary/design publicity materials/arranged venues)
  • Summer Intern; Wah Yan One Family Foundation, organized a fund-raising show that housed ~7,000 guests and raised 8.5million USD, majorly dealt with ticketing issues
    (College)
  • Member; Asian American Inter-varsity Christian Fellowship
  • Bass; Concert Choir [chamber choir of mostly vocal majors]
  • Employee; University Housing System
  • Volunteer; voluntary group in college that volunteers once a week
  • Member; AISEC

Awards:

  • CLP Centenary Scholarship 2015; amount equivalent to ~1,300USD
  • Students’ Pioneers Award; awarded to 3 outstanding student leaders each year back in my HS
  • 1st runner-up; Hong Kong Schools Music Festival - 18 or under Bass Vocal

Essays:

  • still in progress

RECs:

  • my Econ 101 professor, who used to lecture in Stanford University
  • a professor from the University of Hong Kong, who taught me for 1 year and knows me well

It would be very nice if you could comment below whether you think I am a safe/match/reach candidate for both/either SHA and/or ILR with reasons. I would definitely chance you back if you do so (if you want me to, of course)!

2

To be honest, I think you have a fantastic chance. What matters most, from what I have grasped, is work experience. The program requires ~800 hours to graduate on top of academics. You demonstrate the ability to excel in academics whilst continuing with superb community service and leadership opportunities. I wouldn’t be surprised if you got in.

3

Glad to have your compliment :slight_smile: Yet, from other SHA applicants’ profile, I really see my lack of hospitality-related experience. As the SHA department has always emphasised being a “good fit” instead of a “competent candidate,” I am worried having good grades isn’t good enough to get me into SHA.

4

Your ECs seem much more closely aligned with SHA than ILR. Have you looked at the course requirements for each major to see which you would prefer to study? Also look at the post-grad employment reports.

5

In my opinion, I think you have a better chance at SHA. The fact that you are international is very helpful for SHA admissions.

6

Is it true that SHA has higher admission rate for international students than ILR? I believe I learnt that somewhere else on the internet too… but any statistics for so?

7

I have gone through both of their curricular: I personally prefer what SHA has to offer; yet, again, it is my chance that worries me the most.

8

@brantly
Is it true that SHA has higher admission rate for international students than ILR? I believe I learnt that somewhere else on the internet too… but any statistics for so?

9

I don’t know @metagross

10

Metagross, admissions really can go either way. From your scores alone, you can get into many prestigious schools and that volunteer services really will help you! Good Luck!!

Chance me for SHA if you guys have time? It would be very appreciated! Thanks! @brantly @CT1417 @YesPolyglotGal

http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/discussion/comment/19160091/#Comment_19160091