<p>Hi!
I am a international student and a senior and ill be applying to about 7 architecture schools. Cornell would be my first choice and ill be applying ED. The thing is, i got a 1920 on the SAT and 720 on the SAT MATH 1 and i didnt do very well in my junior year because my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer and me and my family went through a traumatic time. I am currently working on a kickass portfolio. I am pessismistic about my chances, because of my 11th grades but i did exceptionally well in my freshman and sophomore year and I hope i would do great in my senior year.
P.S. I'll be taking the SAT again in oct. </p>
<p>And should i risk applying for ED? </p>
<p>Your grades and your portfolio will be equally important as your scores, perhaps moreso. Depending on where you live, you may be able to arrange an admissions portfolio interview. The interview also carries considerable weight. If you can’t interview you may respond to the interview questions in writing. This would be a good opportunity to let Cornell know who you are.</p>
<p>Your teacher and counselor recommendations are also ways to explain why 11th grade was rough for you.</p>
<p>If you expect an upswing in your grades this year, you might not want to apply ED so that your senior year grades will be considered.</p>
<p>Cornell may offer need based aid to international students, but they don’t guarantee it. If you are accepted ED they will give you your financial package mid-December. If that doesn’t work for your family, then you can withdraw your ED application and apply to the other 6 schools that you’re interested in. This isn’t a particularly good strategy, but it happens.</p>