What are my chances for Engineering ED?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Cornell University
1

<p>Just finished junior year</p>

<p>UW GPA: 3.51
Weighted: 4.30</p>

<p>SAT: 740-780-780 (2300)
SAT II Math Level 2 - 800
SAT II Biology M - 780</p>

<p>All my classes have pretty much been IB, thus the higher weighted GPA yet terrible
unweighted. Took the hardest classes available (AP Physics, Calculus BC, etc) </p>

<p>Took 7 APs so far. (Spanish (4), Chemistry (4), Literature (5), Euro (5), US History (3), Government(4), BC Calculus(4) </p>

<p>Will take 3 more making a total of 10. (Physics, Lang, Biology)
Also taking IB High Level Biology, Math, History, English
(aka VERY tough senior schedule)</p>

<ul>
<li>Average club activities, some charity club leadership position, national honor society, etc</li>
<li>Over 500+ hours of volunteering at a retirement home, more than 5 years of working at a retirement home</li>
<li>PSAT Commended, AP scholar (not with distinction) </li>
<li>Also an immigrant, came late in elementary school. Struggled a lot with English (Now getting As in IB English classes)</li>
</ul>

<p>Here's the thing, I have pretty bad grades especially last year (I've got a C in BC calc and I'm applying for Engineering -_-). Did that C ruin my chance at any engineering schools? Should I apply ED or would i have a better shot at RD when I can show better grades for the first semester of senior year? Thank you</p>

2

<p>Generally speaking, ED gives you a slight advantage. In your case it might be a wash though if you feel as though you can get great grades first semester of senior year. Thus far, you seem like a relatively strong candidate for admission. I believe your test scores (especially in math), and rigor should compensate for the non-perfect grades. At this point, just make sure you have great senior year grades. Good luck!</p>

3

<p>Thanks. What are likely outcomes if I ED and don’t get rejected? Do I just deferred and try again at RD? Or are people who get deferred usually lost causes? </p>

<p>Anyone else wanna give inputs? A 3.2 GPA for Junior year and a C in math does kill me right? :(</p>

4

<p>While I can’t confirm this with data, my impression is that while Engineering has a high(er) acceptance rate, it’s fairly self-selecting for people who were really strong in math/science. You don’t necessarily strike me as someone who is quite at the Cornell level. Your UW GPA is low and while your weighted is good, the weighting can be a bit warped and vary by school. My high school didn’t weight at all and I took pretty much the maximum AP/Honors classes and had a GPA ~97.</p>

<p>Your SAT math scores are definitely good. Your AP scores concern me for Engineering. You didn’t get any 5’s in math or science. APs may be hard, but Cornell is definitely more than a step ahead of APs in terms of difficulty, and in Engineering where grades are curved, you’ll be competing against people who by in large had 5’s on their math/science APs. I know Cornell doesn’t technically count AP scores for admissions, but I do think they look at them and from what I recall, data pretty heavily suggests APs are the best predictor of college performance.</p>

<p>I’d put your chances at 25%. I do think the C in BC Calc will hurt you. At least you managed a 4 on the exam.</p>

5

<p>When I went to the Cornell engineering information session, the guy said that only about 7 applicants are deferred to the regular admissions pool. That being said, it’s not certain you wont get deferred, but it’s very unlikely.</p>