<p>What can you do to improve your chances – Good Question.</p>
<p>Standardized Tests – Your scores aren’t bad, but they’re not going to blow anyone away at schools like Cornell. If you can improve them a bit, it would help. </p>
<p>Demonstrated Interest in Schools. Many schools factor in ‘demonstrated interest’ i.e. how likely is it that you will accept. One way to show this is by visiting the school (make sure you sign in!!!). Another – if the school has a supplement, it will often have a 'Why do you want to go here?" question in some way shape or form. Based on nothing other than common sense – try to make your essay unique for each school. For example, mention how you loved the scenic gorges, or the music from the bell tower, or whatever it is that makes this school special to you. If you attend a class, mention the professor’s name in the essay, and how much you liked the class. If you attend a class, introduce yourself to the professor afterwards, and send a thank you email. There are lots of other possibilities. All of this is little stuff, but it gives the school the impression that you really want to be there.</p>
<p>So, the only other thing I can think of is your personal essay. The summer is a good time to think about what you want to say about yourself. What makes you special? A great essay will make your application much more attractive.</p>