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CC Resources for Cornell University
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10-17-2009, 09:53 PM
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#1 | | New Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 22
| Will picking a different major increase my chances of getting into Cornell?
Hi,
So I'm applying to CALS and I want to go for an animal science major. However, I don't have a lot of professional experiences with animals (like internships, volunteering at an animal hospital, etc) because I just recently decided to go for this major. This is definitely something I want to do, as I've been surrounded by animals all my life and I really care about them.
On the other hand, I do have a vast journalism background and prestigious accomplishments in that field. I heard that it's easy to change majors within CALS. Should I apply for a communications major and then transfer to animal science? Would that increase my chances?
Please let me know what you think! Thanks!
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10-18-2009, 10:28 AM
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#2 | | Member
Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Far above Cayuga's Waters
Posts: 341
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i think you should apply to the major you want to do! all of your ECs show your interest in animal science. it would hurt you more to apply to a major that you arent so passionate about. thus, picking a different major will probably DECREASE your chances of getting in. sometimes going for what seems to be the "easy way in" doesnt work in your favor
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10-18-2009, 10:30 AM
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#3 | | New Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 22
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No, my point is that all my ECs DONT show my interest in animal science...most of them show my interest in journalism.
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10-18-2009, 10:36 AM
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#4 | | Member
Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Far above Cayuga's Waters
Posts: 341
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if you want to know, the comm major is still competitive to get into also. you said in your first sentence "So I'm applying to CALS and I want to go for an animal science major". you WANT to go to animal science, so why waste your time and money to apply for a major you dont necessarily want to do? you even said that if you get in for comm that you will switch to animal science. truthfully, i think the answer is obvious here. hopefully you will be happy with whatever major you end up choosing.
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10-18-2009, 11:59 AM
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#5 | | Member
Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: NYC -> Cornell '13!
Posts: 782
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When I applied to Cornell, I also had a great journalism background (ECs, internships, awards, etc.) but I knew it wasn't what I wanted to pursue. Instead of applying to CALS for communcations, I applied to CAS as a prospective English major, using my journalism background to boost my interest in writing. In fact, I used my "interest" in journalism to my advantage for every college I applied to, knowing that it would make my application that much stronger. Now I'm in CAS planning to major in Psych and minor in Information Science, and no one cares about my past journalism experience!
Not sure if that helps or not. I guess what I mean to say is, don't underestimate how helpful your journalism background can be in admissions. If it's very easy to switch majors in CALS, you might want to apply as a comm. major and then switch to Animal Science.
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10-18-2009, 02:50 PM
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#6 | | Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Canada -> Cornell '12
Posts: 168
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Hi there, I'm with the Cornell Admissions Ambassadors and I'm currently a sophomore in ILR. We did a web chat for international students this past Saturday and this question came up.
The official stance from the admissions staff is that no, your major WITHIN a college does not affect your chances of acceptance. For example, for A&S, if your ECs are divided evenly between Econ and Psychology, and your course interests demonstrate equal passion in both, you will have the same likelihood to be accepted to both (of course, I'm not the AdCom and I can't guarantee any sort of statistical chance here). Obviously, you will NOT have the same interest/passions/involvements for two different majors, so it's advantageous to apply to the one you truly care about.
On the other hand, if the majors are in different COLLEGES, then the competition will be different.
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10-20-2009, 02:55 PM
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#7 | | Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 44
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Just apply to Animal Science. Even if your EC's don't demonstrate that interest, it's ok. Somewhere in your essay, discuss how it is that you discovered your interest in Animal Sciences. You're 17? 18? You're allowed to be indecisive and change your mind. Heck, I graduated almost 2 years ago and I'm still not absolutely sure as to what I'm going to do, but that's not really the point.
The point is to be able to articulate what your experiences have shown you. And how they have brought you to the point where you are now. Cornell wants people who care and are taking charge of their future. Cornell wants to know how it fits into your grand plan and that you will do it proud. So if your passion for Animal Sciences is going to carry you to be the the top veterinarian or animal researcher in the world, talk about why Cornell is the best place for you to start that journey.
Best of luck!
Dana
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10-20-2009, 10:19 PM
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#8 | | Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 48
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you don't want to get into cornell on a "lie" just pick what you want to do. if you're sure you want to do animal science, then try your best and apply for that. don't pick another major just because it might help your chances of getting in. you're not supposed to have a ton of work supporting your major choice -- you're supposed to have a passionate essay confirming that you want to learn. if everyone came into college knowing what they wanted to do because they had so much outside experience, there would be no point.
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