umm...chances anybody?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Cornell University
1

<p>hey guys</p>

<p>i'm an indian senior at the American International School of Johannesburg, and I would appreciate any feeback whatsoever on my chances at Cornell’s College of Arts and Sciences.</p>

<hr>

<p>Grade 9 (Cairo American College):
GPA = 3.76</p>

<p>Grade 10 (AISJ):
GPA = 3.28 </p>

<p>Grade 11 (AISJ):
weighted GPA = 3.73</p>

<p>Grade 12 (AISJ):
weighted GPA for 1st semester = 3.88</p>

<p>As you can see, my GPA had a HUGE drop in the 10th grade (which I think was mainly due to getting used to new surroundings), but it went back up during the next two years, when I was actually taking the toughest courseload the school offers (International Baccalaureate program). Here's the list of the IB courses I took in my junior and senior years:</p>

<p>IB Standard Level (SL) English A1
IB Higher Level (HL) Math
IB SL Information Technology in a Global Society
IB HL Physics
IB HL Chemistry
IB SL French B
Theory of Knowledge (Pass/Fail Course)</p>

<p>My rank would probably be in the top 10% of my class.</p>

<p>My SAT scores are average - 700M, 670V
SATII - 720 MathIC, 650 Physics, 710 Writing</p>

<hr>

<p>Academic Awards:</p>

<p>· Honors Award (Grades 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
· High Honors Award (Grades 8, 9, 11, 12)
· Humanitarian Award (Grades 6, 9)
· Excellence in Math Award (Grade 8)
· Excellence in Science Award (Grades 6, 8)
· Citizenship Award (Grade 11)</p>

<p>Extracurricular Activities:</p>

<p>· Model United Nations (Delegate in annual The Hague International Conference in January 2005) (Grades 9, 10, 11, 12)
· “El Perional” Newsletter (Editor-in-Chief) (Grades 11, 12)
· Cooking Club (Grades 11, 12)
· International Club (Head of Asia group) (Grade 9)
· ISSEA Sports Tournament Web Page Design Team (Grade 11)
· Participant of Eastern Mediterranean Activities Conference during the Junior Fine Arts Festival (Grade 8)</p>

<p>Volunteer Work:</p>

<p>· Monthly visit to Mabopane Orphanage (Grades 11, 12)
· Monthly visit to Soweto Orphanage (Grades 11, 12)
· Habitat for Humanity (low finance building projects for the underprivileged) (Grades 11, 12)
· “Solah Shringar” Charity (assistance in various charity events; Head of Raffles Committee) (Grades 11, 12)</p>

<hr>

<p>For my common app essay, I chose to write on my internationalism – I’m the son of an Indian diplomat, and as a result I’ve lived in 6 countries and been to more than 70. Simply put, I focused on the ability to integrate different cultures into one’s own. Do you think Cornell would find this attractive?</p>

<p>If I were to be accepted into Cornell, I’d probably major in Computer Science with a minor or double major in Economics. So, realistically speaking, I know that Cornell is a reach for me, but what do you think? Again I’d really appreciate any feedback!</p>

<p>Thanks,
SG</p>

2

<p>To whom it may concern,</p>

<p>I believe that SuperAzn answered your chances post previosuly. I concur with him. We cannot estimate your chances as all of us have not worked in an admissions office.</p>

<p>One thing is for sure.... IF you apply, you do HAVE a chance. What type of chance, I cannot estimate. Chances are more of a way to comfort yourself from knowing reality. I've asked chances of my admission from many people and the thing is well.... you don't know if it'll be right or not. Remember... You have to be in it to win it! I've heard about stories w/ 1560s and valedictorians being rejected from Cornell ED even. The point is this... Apply and then you'll know your chances.</p>

<p>As to my opinions, we all have a chance. I applied CAS ED. As long as we applied, we'll feel better knowing that we tried. We cannot bet on anything. </p>

<p>Good luck! I hope to see you at our noble alma mater, Cornell.</p>

3

<p>i am 100% with eric</p>

4

<p>Yeah...I've come to realize that chances are pretty useless...you either get in or you don't; nothing people say on a message board will affect the outcome. You stand as good a chance as any; apply if you really want to go to Cornell.</p>

5

<p>thanks everyone who replied i really appreciate your comments. I have to say, I 100% agree with you that there really is no sure way I can find out unless I apply - which is why I have. Still, i just want to make sure I'm not pinning my hopes on something that some might think unattainable. Come on guys! im sure im not the only one who wants a little reality check. therefore: bump</p>

6

<p>anybody else?</p>

7

<p>You have a fair chance...it is reasonable to apply with that GPA. You might want to explain the drop in GPA during 10th grade in the section of your application that allows you to provide that informatrion. Essays are really important. Good luck.</p>

8

<p>thanks for the advice Spanks, and btw congrats to all those that got accepted ED!</p>

<p>any more replies?</p>

9

<p>i think your application will be very well-rounded. just try to write solid essays and you will have as good a chance as anyone.
good luck</p>