Can i get in?

Colleges & Universities Cornell University
1

<p>Hey Guys
I was thinking of applying to ED Cornell and need to know if it’s advisable. I will be applying to the College of Arts and Sciences for the major Molecular Biology and Genetics.
Qualifications:
GCE O-levels
Subject GCE Grade
English B
French A*
Mathematics A*
Additional Mathematics A
Chemistry A*
Physics A*
Biology A*
HSC A-LEVELS (ranked 22nd in my country in science side among 12 000 candidates and 10th at national level in Biology (AS))
Subject Qualification Grade
Mathematics Advanced Level A*
Chemistry Advanced Level A*
Physics Advanced Level A*
Biology Advanced Subsidiary a
General Paper Advanced Subsidiary a</p>

<p>Extra-Curricular Activities
I have always been very keen to participate in extra-curricular activities. I participated in various public speaking and debate competitions throughout my high school. This undeniably enhanced my oratory skills but my presentation skills as well.
2008-2009: Book Club
2008-2011: Environmental Club (President)
-Organized Beach cleaning activity in tandem with the Beach Authorities. This earned us an article in the local newspaper.
-Organized a trip to Ile Aux Aigrettes for students to understand the connection between them and nature.
-Won National Green School Project award for promoting and complying with Green initiatives within the school compound such as waste sorting, composting, rain water collection among others
2008-2009: Computer Club

  • I was the chief editor of the online school magazine (e-mag). As the chief editor I had to work with the whole of the magazine team which was undoubtedly fun but constructive as well. My leadership qualities and my team spirit were both equally boosted.
    2008-2009: Pastoral Care Club
    -Organized lunch for disabled children
    2008-2011: Maths Club
    Australian Mathematics Competition (Intermediate division) ranked 1st in school and in top 3% of the country with a Distinction
    Australian Mathematics Competition (senior division) ranked 2nd in school and in top 4% of the country with a High Distinction
    2010-2011: Health Club
    -Organized Blood Donation day at school encouraging students, parents and staffs to donate blood
    2010-2011: Debates
    Debate organized by Urban Authorities: won at regional level and came out 3rd at national level
    MUN (Model United Nations): Best Delegation Award
    Brains Trust-National Debate competition: Came out 3rd</p>

<p>2012: I had the opportunity to work with the University of Glamorgan (in Cardiff) for an education fair. I assisted the university’s ambassador. I was assigned the task of easing communication between her and the students/parents either by translating English to Creole or vice versa.
From February to June 2012: Internship at DCDM Consulting, one of the leading firms in the field of technology, outsourcing and consulting in the country.
Personal Interests: Painting, Swimming and Leonardo Da Vinci’s paintings</p>

<p>SAT I (June 2012)
Math: 760 (Percentile: 98%)
Critical Reading: 530 (Percentile: 60%)
Writing: 660 (Percentile: 91%)
SAT Subjects (December 2011)
Maths II: 800
Physics: 800
Chemistry: 790</p>

<p>Gender: Male Race: African</p>

2

<p>Please reply ASAP ;)</p>

3

<p>Solid chance but critical readin is going to hurt you a lot. I would really focus on bringing it up to 650+ at least</p>

4

<p>ure a URM…ur SAT is not good at all, but ur very good SAT II scores and ur race and pretty solid ECs should compensate.</p>

5

<p>^Disagree with SAT IIs being able to compensate but agree for rest</p>

6

<p>well i meant that a combination of the three would be able to, but yea u got the gist.</p>

7

<p>oh dak…thanks guys!
Actually what is meant by URM?
BTW i’m planning to retake the SAT in October :wink:
Really need to boost the SAT CR and writing.</p>

8

<p>URM = under represented minority = boost to admissions chances</p>

<p>I’d say regardless, you should try and apply ED. Because I think you have a strong application, I don’t think the CR score will ruin your chances, but it’s a big hit and a reason for pause.</p>

<p>Assuming you have good command of English, with the “right” studying you should at least get that score in the 650+ range. My advice for improving that amount is to spend some time figuring out HOW to study, and not just diving straight into the studying. For example, if the vocab is giving you problems, you probably need to buy some of those SAT flash cards and practice higher level reading (which DOES take months, not days/weeks to study; math is much more crammable unfortunately for you).</p>

9

<p>Hey mikeyc765
Thanks a lot for the suggestions. Actually English is kind of a problem for me. In my country, Mauritius, we have a system which narrows our subject choice annually. Like in form III i was doing more than 13 subjects which narrowed to 7 and then 5 for my final year. At the age of 14(form III) we have to choose between English, English literature and the sciences. That’s why my CR is bad.</p>

10

<p>If you can explain your CR score in your application then you might be ok. Still, I would work hard to improve it to at least 600 (ideally 650). I might also worry about the lack of athletics in your application. It’s good that you are involved elsewhere on an extracurricular basis but sports definitely help, even if you aren’t a recruited athlete. Also note that Cornell doesn’t take your SAT Writing portion. Thus, they will only see your math and reading score (another reason to boost your CR). Your race/home country should help you, however. I would say apply ED. Their ed acceptance rate is also around 35% which is the highest in the ivy league.</p>

11

<p>Thanks Gundog94. I’ll definitely try to boost my CR.</p>