Can I get into Cornell with a dismissal from school in Sophomore year?

Chance Me / Match Me
1

<p>As a Sophomore approaching the end of the year, I have afforded myself some time to reflect on the first half of my High School Career. I am willing to do anything to go to Cornell- apply early decision, whatever- but something is particularly worrisome to me.</p>

<p>I was dismissed from a military school in January.</p>

<p>I was dismissed for nothing really serious, but rather repetitive behavior. I didn’t want to be at the school at all, and I showed my distaste for the ethics surrounding the ‘leadership’ there on a daily basis. There were fights every day and many of the kids did drugs. Overall, I did not feel very comfortable and I hated the curriculum. The classes were far too easy (not to be arrogant), even the honors classes. I DO accept full responsibility for my behaviors (just generally being disrespectful; none of my offenses were ‘honor code related’).</p>

<p>Here is my resume for core classes (tenth grade classes are the ones I took at public school following my dismissal):</p>

<p>9th
Honors English 9th: A+
Honors World History: A
Honors Math I: B+
Honors Biology: A+
Spanish II: A</p>

<p>10th
Honors English 10th: A+
Honors Pre-calculus: A+
AP Human Geography: A
Honors Chemistry: A+
Honors Spanish IV: A</p>

<p>I took the SAT and got a 2150, and plan on getting 2300+</p>

<p>What’s more, I’m entering the IB Program next year (for those of you who may not know, it’s essentially taking all AP’s).</p>

<p>I am volunteering at a zoo all summer to educate kids aged 5 or younger on environmental awareness and animals (for a total of 200+ hours over the summer).</p>

<p>I’m in the National Spanish Honor Society as a Sophomore</p>

<p>Could all of this make up for a dismissal? Everyone else is telling me it can’t and that I should just go to community college and it’s really discouraging…</p>

2

<p>I don’t think it should “break” your chances of getting into Cornell at all. Obviously Cornell is very hard to get into for anyone, and despite your achievements and good academics, you may still not get accepted. (And it’s not going to be the end of the world!) But if you keep an upward trajectory, you’ll have a higher and higher chance. Plus, on college apps, they give you the opportunity to elaborate on any disciplinary action taken against you during high school, and you can politely (and apologetically) explain your dislike for your school, and take full responsibility for your actions, and show your maturity.</p>

3

<p>Bump. </p>

<p>I just found out what that means. God, you guys are genius.</p>