URGENT: PLEASE Help!

Colleges and Universities A-Z Cornell University
1

<p>I'm applying to colleges and was interested in Cornell's Engineering program (both Bioengineering and Mechanical Engineering). I wanted to find out my chances. Do you think Cornell is a good safety, match, or reach school for me? Would greatly appreciate prompt responses from experienced students, applicants, adcoms, etc... </p>

<p>Here's a little bit about me:</p>

<p>Stats:
SAT I: 650M 660CR 590W and 650M 640CR 660W
SAT II: 800MathIIC 750BioM 700USH
GPA: 3.84UW and 4.24W
Rank: 2 or 3/480
APs: 7 and 3 JC courses (2x3s, 2x5s, 3x4s)</p>

<p>Extracurricular Activities:
Research
--> For two years I've researched alternative energies. I've briefly collaborated with university professors of MIT and Harvard, regarding methods for hydrogen production. After lots of research I actually converted an gasoline-powered generator to run on hydrogen. I'm currently working on making the design more efficient.
--> I've also written a research paper on Neuropsychology, entitled "The Effects of Slow-Rotation Spinning on Learning and Memory"</p>

<p>Inventing and Refining Technologies
--> I have filed for thirteen patents for designs of mine which range from improving automotive mechanisms to easing everyday life.</p>

<p>Botball Robotics
--> We went to nationals and scored second. Teams build and program robots to compete on a game board.</p>

<p>Tutoring
--> I hold biweekly tutoring sessions in which I teach Mathematics and Science (my form of community service).</p>

<p>Badminton
--> I prompted the construction of a badminton court (outside of school) and founded a badminton club. </p>

<p>Jobs
--> I have held a job at Ace Auto Works as an "eCommerce Specialist" for three years (about 10hrs/wk)</p>

<p>Awards and Distinctions:
Science Olympiad, 1st Place
Botball, 2nd Place
I-STAR SUMMA
Honor Roll
Golden Star Student</p>

<p>Summer Activities:
Research (discussed already)
Travel across Europe, America, Indo-Pak Subcontinent, Asia
Community college course in Computer Sciences</p>

<p>Miscellaneous Facts:
I'm applying Domestic, though I am applying from Bangalore, India. Since I attended a CA HS for the first three years of my HS, and only recently moved to India for the last year (due to my parents being transfered), I'm still considered a domestic applicant. I'm also a US Citizen, which furthers my quallification to be a domestic applicant. I'm not sure if this situation will advantage me or disadvantage me.</p>

<p>Anyway, would appreciate some feedback, I need to apply soon and time is definitely short.</p>

2

<p>wow your activities are really strong. i'd think you were a good match for the engineering, even though your SATs are a little low.</p>

<p>what are you going to write about in the essay?</p>

3

<p>Cornell, like all the Ivies, is a reach for everyone, even the mythical 2400 SAT validictorian who was a three sport athlete and captain of the teams and president of the Key Club. However, they are going to accept a certain number of people and they won't all fit the above profile. </p>

<p>I suggest you apply -- you are in the ballpark and your ECs are very interesting.</p>

4

<p>Thanks for the information. My concern is really a financial limitation (I won't qualify for aid since I'm "temporarily abroad"). As a result, I'm trying to figure out which places I'm most likely to get into. So, if it's a reach, how big of a reach? </p>

<p>lightfish:
My main essay is on the alternative energies research. I discuss being motivated to research by the smog-polluted alleys of Lahore, Pakistan.</p>

5

<p>wow. considering what you want to study, and what you've already done research in, you sound like a really strong applicant to me. like cnp said, nothing is ever for sure at a school like cornell, but i'd say apply and you'll have a great chance.</p>

6

<p>Thanks for the encouraging words. One thing that may be noteworthy is I was deferred EA from MIT. With this knowledge, do you still think I stand a good chance? </p>

<p>Also, please continue with the evaluations and advice, it really has been helpful.</p>

7

<p>your EC's are really impressive, I think you have a decent shot</p>

<p>I'm wondering how you got an 800 on IIC and only a 650 on the SAT I math</p>

8

<p>Sort of odd. The IIC was easy and every practice test of the SATI was easy. Whenever I take the SAT I, I get really nervous and mess up. Interestingly, I got a 650 both times I took the SAT I math. To further the contrast, I got a 5 on AP Calc AB. So my app, hopefully, should demonstrate my proficiency in Math, despite my poor SAT I scores.</p>

<p>Another question, when you guys say decent shot, do you mean reach or match? See, my father has limited me about 3 (maybe 4 colleges) colleges. I've applied to MIT (deferred) and UCB. I'm pretty sure I'll apply to Caltech, but am not sure what to use the last app for. I really like Cornell, but everyone says I need a safety... I've been interested in Cornell for quite a while and really want to go there (If MIT doesn't accept me). I just don't know what to do. I really don't want to waste my limit on a safety school, but don't know what to do.</p>

<p>Any ideas?</p>

9

<p>Reach, not a huge reach, but a reach.</p>

10

<p>of course you still stand a good chance even though you were deferred from MIT. don't let it get you down.
i agree- reach, but not a huge reach. cornell was a reach for me too, but reach definitely doesn't mean impossible. i wouldn't say match because that seems too secure of a statement.<br>
if you like cornell, have you thought about johns hopkins or duke? different atmosphere, but strong programs (i believe? i'm not really an expert on engineering...) in your field of study.
also... i have a friend who scored a 790 on IIC and a 5 on AP calc, but got a 26 on the math part of the ACT. it happens i guess, colleges will see your strengths elsewhere.</p>