How important are the essays, and do you think I can get in?

someguy139 · 10-15-2012, 03:13 PM

Yes, I know the essays (for Cornell and CommonApp) are important, but I have a feeling that lots of people put too much stress on it? Is this true?

I have decent grades, a 3.94 (top 10%) of school, and I have a few leadership roles (not too big though). I've taken 8 AP's total including senior year, and have gotten 5's on all the ones I took junior and sophomore year. I've been in cross country for all four years of high school, and I also have been in a local orchestra (I play the violin). I have around 150-200 volunteer hours additionally.

My SAT Score is 2250 ( 780 Reading, 770 Math, 700 CR ), and I got 800 on SAT Math 2, and 800 on Chemistry.

I asked about essays because I think my essays are good (not bad definitely), but not awesome. Do you think I have a fair chance? (And if it's important, I'm a Chinese male).

Peppino · 10-15-2012, 03:48 PM

If you look at one of the Cornell Decision threads, you'll find that tons of people with great scores and grades and everything like you don't get in. It only seems like the essays are the deciding factor.

someguy139 · 10-15-2012, 03:56 PM

Seems depressing

, but thanks.
I think my CommonApp essay isn't that bad, because I actually put my heart (yes I know that sounds corny) into it.

I'm not so sure about the supplemental. It sounds boring. I describe what I like, but its not like an interesting essay, if you know what I mean. Tips with that?

ladeedaax · 10-15-2012, 03:57 PM

From my understanding, Cornell is big on the "right fit," which would be conveyed by your extracurriculars and your essay. So I would say that your essay doesn't have to be the best ever written, but it does have to demonstrate an interest in your major. Good luck!!

GraceTone · 10-16-2012, 09:35 AM

Essays and extracurriculars are definitely not the most important.
My main essay was very carelessly written in a single day without any revisions.
It was ~380 words and my supplement was ~100 words.
If you don't have the grades & scores for it (esp. if you're Asian), the rest isn't going to matter to begin with.

@ladeedaax
Are you even in Cornell/in college?
Your account seems to lack a bit of posts to be judging.

ladeedaax · 10-16-2012, 02:27 PM

No, but I'm applying. I said "from my understanding" because from what I have read from various forums, what sets apart students who have similar GPAs and test scores are demonstrating the right fit for your major. If I am wrong, then I'm sorry. And by no means do I think essays and ecs are the mosttt important.

zephyr15 · 10-16-2012, 03:05 PM

Someguy

Your grades -- they're fine -- However, about 89% of the incoming class has similar grades (i.e., top 10% of the class).

Source -- 2011-12 Common Common Data Set Q C10 http://dpb.cornell.edu/documents/1000504.pdf

Your SATs -- they're fine. However for people who score 750-800 in the SAT-CR, the admissions rate is about 35%. For 750-800 SAT-M a bit less than 25%. (These data are a couple of years old, but should still be close).

Source Metaezra. MetaEzra -- Cornell Acceptance Rates by SAT Scores

Now, we don't have data for students such as you, who are 750+ in both SAT sections, but a guess would be that for every student with your stats that is accepted, there is one that is rejected.

I'm not in admissions, given that all students with your stats are highly qualified, one would guess that other factors, such as recommendations, ECs and of course essays.

So -- make your essays as good as possible. If you don't feel they're awesome, is there someone in your school or family who can help you edit them? I'm not saying it will make a difference, but it might.

ladeedaax -- while demonstrating the fit for major is undoubtedly a major factor for certain schools and certain majors-- Hotel, probably ILR, etc. I'm not sure how it works in for, say, CAS. Plus -- a good essay, especially the "Why Cornell" essay, however they phrase the question is the an excellent way to show fit.

mikeyc765 · 10-16-2012, 03:07 PM

Essays are important, but they don't have to be masterpieces of literature. It's important to keep in mind that the essay has a very specific objective and you have to write to that. Ultimately, at the end of reading your essay, admissions should think you will be a fit at Cornell. Generally speaking, I think you should show 1) Why you think you will be a valuable addition to the student body and 2) What is it about Cornell that you think makes it the right fit your your aspirations/desires.