Would it be worthwhile applying Early Decision to these schools?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Cornell University
1

<p>Hi, I'm really looking into Cornell or UPenn for engineering, but I was wondering if what I have is enough, even for early decision.</p>

<p>Stats:
GPA: 3.75 (UW), 4.44 (W). Freshman year wasn't too great, but I showed an upward trend and took all honors/APs that were offered. Hopefully my GPA will go up by the end of first semester of senior year. I go to a public school, but its the highest ranked in the state and its very competitive. My school does not rank.
SAT I: 2300/1530 (770- CR, 760- M, 770-W)
SAT II: Math IC: 750, Math IIC: 800, Physics hoping to get 750+
AP: 6 APs in high school (2 junior year, 4 senior year. Took Stat and Lang junior year and scored 5 on both). </p>

<p>I'm really interested in statistics/math and I want to major in Operations Research, which extensively covers these topics. I decided to take a course at UPenn over the summer at their pre-college program, and I applied and was selected. I took Decision Theory there because it was most closely related to Operations Research. Also, I applied and was selected to be a part of the Cornell Women in Engineering program, where Cornell hosts me for three days and I get an insider's look into the engineering program at Cornell. </p>

<p>I also spend the summers volunteering (I must have about 200 hours). </p>

<p>I am not involved in too many extra-curriculars, but I have extreme depth in what I do. I've been dancing and singing for the past 8 years. Dance takes up most of my life and I'm extremely devoted to it. I was selected to be a semi-finalist at a national dance competition in 2009, and was among nine other dancers who performed for the panel of judges, but I did not win. I've danced and sang for several fundraisers and charity concerts. I mention in my common app essay that I have stage fright and fear of failing basically, and that I worked hard in order to overcome it so that I could sing and dance more. </p>

<p>I've also been playing the violin for the past seven years. In eighth grade, I auditioned for the Youth Orchestra of Central Jersey, a competitive orchestra for gifted musicians, and have been in the top orchestra in this organization for all these years. I am also involved in my school orchestra. </p>

<p>I think I will have strong letters of recommendations (two from my teachers at school, one from the professor at UPenn who I took Decision Theory from, one from my dance teacher, and one from my violin teacher). </p>

<p>I will be applying ED to either Cornell or UPenn, but do these credentials sound like I have a shot at getting in? (P.S. My essays are good so far, I think my common app one is unique).</p>

<p>Thanks for you feedback! Sorry its so long!</p>

2

<p>I think you definitely have a chance to get in. But remember, Cornell’s school of Engineering is difficult to get into. Any engineering school is difficult to get into.</p>

3

<p>However, your statistics seem very outstanding. Are you sure you want to limit yourself to early decision? Maybe you should weigh your options at other engineering schools like Lehigh, Rutgers, but still apply to Cornell and UPenn. I think you’d get into both regular admissions.</p>

4

<p>You might have a slight advantage if you’re a girl though, since engineering tends to be male-heavy. (But then again I don’t know how popular Cornell’s engineering school is…)</p>

<p>Either way, good luck!</p>

5

<p>Female admit rate for COE is highest of any male/female group for any of Cornell’s colleges.</p>

6

<p>COE is top notch. If you are indifferent to either Penn or Cornell’s campus feel, then I would ED Cornell, and that is assuming you are not applying FA. If you need FA, you may want to wait for RD so you could compare different packages. By applying ED to Cornell or Penn would give you the best chance. Penn rep said there is an advantage in applying ED to Penn. I think your stats are good enough for both schools.</p>

7

<p>Your statistics are competitive for either school, ED or RD.</p>

8

<p>Have you participated on any math leagues or teams, robotics, anything engineering related? I am just wondering what has led to your wanting to study engineering. The engineering school at Cornell is self selective, and they pay attention to the ECs that represent the engineering thinking or fit. You did not list all of your ECs so should we assume there are some that would indicate strong interest in math, sciences and/or computor science? Your board scores are within the range for Cornell engineering but you have left out critical information that says you really are a fit for engineering.</p>

<p>As a female you gained a plus
Are you a ORM? (over represented minority) If so, that above plus won’t mean as much</p>

<p>My opinion differs from some of the above only because of the ECs which I am hoping you just didn’t mention.</p>