AEM and the SAT's

Islander4 · 10-31-2009, 09:13 AM

Ok. I've sent in my ED stuff and I'm applying to AEM. I'm currently ranked in the top 5 in my year with two pretty good EC's, a high average (somewhere around 95-100), and some other stuff (790 SAT U.S., 5 AP U.S.). As far as I know and discern, no one above me in rank is applying to Cornell. However, my big problem is the stupid SAT. In May, I scored 670/670/600 and spent most of the summer learning more about the concepts, taking practice tests, and gaining experience. This month, I opened my score report to find a slightly disappointing 630/650/690. Now, I extensively worked on my essays with a former teacher of mine that's pursuing a political theory doctorate, and they, as well as the teacher/counselor recommendations, seem very effective. How much would my lower, but above average SAT scores hurt my chances for AEM?

chendrix · 10-31-2009, 10:12 AM

have you ever considered taking the ACT?

A lot of people (including myself) find it easier to manage than the SAT, and thus did SIGNIFICANTLY better on the ACT than the SAT with little more studying (other than reviewing the different style and the science section)

awkaplan · 10-31-2009, 11:47 AM

The SAT is just a test, and Cornell recognizes that. Cornell and AEM in particular are looking for good applicants that are going to contribute to the community and gain something from the program (as lame as that sounds those are the best characteristics a student could bring to a school if you really look at it)

TheKiwiOnPrairie · 10-31-2009, 12:18 PM

Good luck Islander4. Yes your SAT score is on the lower side for AEM and it will weaken your application a bit but I doubt it will throw you out of the mix. Good luck.

goin2college2014 · 10-31-2009, 12:43 PM

Mine aren't so hot either. It doesn't help that the highest scoring SAT was the one i took the 2nd time around. THe 3rd time, october just now, was terrible. 1390/1600 but i asked them and they said they superscore it all, so 1470/2150 for me.

Islander4 · 10-31-2009, 08:57 PM

I tried the ACT in June, but the time constraints on the Reading and Science sections were too much for me. I love how the College Board thinks every student gets the same quality education and material during and before high school. Meh.

Ny0rker · 10-31-2009, 09:11 PM

the average for AEM last year was 1475 (that was for enrolled students so accepted is probably higher)

goin2college2014 · 10-31-2009, 09:18 PM

Hopefully it's more about fit than scores.
edit: Scores probably factors in with fit, but EC and essays wise.