Chances at Cornell, Colgate, Emory, BC...?

NorCalDad
Wed, 12 Jul 2006 22:07:42 +0000

Stillmanz,

I think your overall academic measures are very solid. I think Cornell is a slight REACH, and the other schools are all MATCHes. None of these schools is unrealistic for acceptance, nor is any a slam dunk. It truly is an unpredictable scenario. A word of advice, as many parents will agree, choose some true SAFETY schools as well.

Specific to Emory University, you have solid numbers that look good on the surface. Emory is not ambiguous about this – they prefer those applicants who have expressed and demonstrated interest in Emory. Your essays will be weighted with considerable importance as well. If you go to the Emory discussion board (Colleges/Universities > CC Top Universities > Emory University), you will find a post I did on “Tips for Emory Applicants for Class of 2011”. It will have some good suggestions. Also, you may want to peruse some of the other posts if you are interested.

One other thing, an axiom about Early Decision is that since you can only choose ONE Early Decision school, and because the decision is a binding committment, be very certain that if you do apply ED, it is to the ONE school that is clearly your No. 1 choice. Do this only after you have visited the campus and know it is the right “fit” for you (consider academic programs, student life, dorms, faculty/student ratio, size, setting, etc.) YOUR fit may not be the same as somebody else’s. It seems that every spring, there will be students who have regrets about applying ED – yes, people do change their minds, which is why you need to be very certain. If you are not certain, apply RD, so that you can have some time and the OPTIONS to choose from. Good luck to you!

Incidentally, you did mean Walter “Reed” Hospital, correct?? ;)