What kind of CHANCES do I have?

Colleges & Universities A-Z Cornell University
1

<p>White Male applying for Electrical Engineering, Regular Decision</p>

<p>Rank: 12/81 (15%)
GPA: 3.81/4.00 UW
ACT Composite: 35, first try
Eng:34, Math:36, Rdg:35, Sci:33, Writ:8
National Merit Semi-Finalist</p>

<p>Took/am taking the most challenging courseload available, including AP Calc, AP Eng, Physics, Bio II. I have yet to take the required SAT Subject Tests, but I've taken Chem I & II, so I feel well-prepared. I may re-take the ACT to attempt to improve my Eng and Sci. (I feel that I can boost both 1-2 points. Should I try?) My school is somewhat competitive--we consistently score around 10% above the national average on standardized tests.</p>

<p>Extracurriculars:</p>

<p>Football 9, 10, 11, 12
Team Capt
Line Capt</p>

<p>Boy Scouts of America 9, 10, 11, 12
Patrol Leader, etc
Life Scout (athiest, so I could not reach Eagle)</p>

<p>Scholastic Bowl 9, 10, 11, 12
Captain
All-Tournament Team this past weekend</p>

<p>Self-Employed 9, 10, 11, 12
Founder & Owner of Valchemy LLP</p>

<p>Attended USMA at West Point's Summer Leader's Seminar 12</p>

<p>National Honor Society 11, 12
Treasurer</p>

<p>Class President 11</p>

<p>Student Council 11, 12</p>

<p>Band 9, 10, 11, 12</p>

<p>Glowing recommendations that accentuate character, leadership, teamwork, etc; and, despite my ACT Writing score, my essays are generally very good. I do realize that none of my ECs reflect any special interest in EE, but one of my essays will address this.</p>

<p>So what are my chances?</p>

2

<p>They are very very high. Best of luck.</p>

3

<p>Also why does being an atheist prevent you of getting eagle? (religious troop or something?)</p>

4

<p>ari102791</p>

<p>Reverence toward God is a Scout Law. Its a national rule, unfortunately, that I must acknowledge the existence of a supreme being. Also, the application for Eagle Scout requires a letter of recommendation-type essay from a religious leader, but I haven’t been to church in years… obviously.</p>

<p>Thank you very much for the quick response.</p>

<p>My main concerns are the low GPA, low rank, and lack of a solid hook.</p>

5

<p>i dont think your rank or gpa is low…i would say focus on your SAT II’s and try to score above 750 for both
otherwise i think you have a really good chance!</p>

<p>where are you from?</p>

6

<p>turkkizi91,</p>

<p>Thanks for the reassurance and advice. I’m from western-central Illinois. Nobody from my school, including the teachers and administration, can recall an Ivy-Leaguer, so I’m rather nervous.</p>

7

<p>While your rank and gpa are low relative to the other people who get in, I would say you have very good chances.</p>

<p>You have lots of leadership positions that show you are committed beyond shallow membership. Just make sure to do well on Math II and Chem SAT IIs and make sure that your essay clearly demonstrates how you believe cornell’s engineering will help you achieve your dreams, and I’d say you have as good a shot as any.</p>

<p>best of luck.
also, have you tried getting recruited for football?</p>

8

<p>chendrix,</p>

<p>I love football, but I feel that it interferes with my academics too much, so no, I haven’t. Our football team did do very well last year though, and we were expected to win state this year. Unfortunately, the team that beat us in the first round of playoffs will undoubtedly be the state champions this year. They’re a Chicago catholic school with 3 to-be Division I athletes on their team and physically, they’re dominant–except for their line, surprisingly. We still have the best line in the state, so I’m happy. [/boast]</p>

<p>Anyway, thanks for the encouragement and advice. I’ll definitely be incorporating that idea into my essay now.</p>