chances??

Colleges & Universities Cornell University
1

<p>I’m definitely applying to CALS for biologial sciences or something similar</p>

<p>SATs: 1st attempt- 640 CR, bad math score… will study next time
SAT IIs:not taking… conflicts with october SAT and ED deadline
GPA: 93/100 (unweighted)
Course load (senior year): chemistry, biology, physics, advanced functions, calculus/vectors, english and world history. All taken at highest level offered in Canada which I’m assuming is relatively close to AP in US (also took grade 12 statistics in junior year).
Class Rank: Definitely top 5-10%
Other Academic Sidenotes: chosen by math teacher to write the University of Waterloo Canadian Math Contest</p>

<p>Extracurriculars: varsity rowing 3 years-- won us national and canadian national championships in 2011, minister of finance on student council, cross country, earth club, prom committee (not sure if that even counts?). rowing 6 days a week limits the time i have for other activities…
Work/Volunteer Experience: Mcdonalds from 2009 to present, local summer camp for 2008 and 2009 summer, doing volunteer work for Canadian Cancer Society this summer and (hopefully) local veterinarian hospital.
Teacher Rec- should be amazing, my teachers love me
GC Rec- should be good also, she only has to write a few (yay international) but I don’t know her too well
Essay- I’ll probably write my essay on how rowing has changed me as a person, as long as it goes with the topic</p>

<p>Any suggestions or areas for improvement? Obviously my SAT scores are low, however I’m pretty confident that I can pull off a good score this October if I prepare. Hopefully applying as ED should help me as well.</p>

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<p>Instead of how rowing changed your life, focus on a specific event in your rowing career and remark on how it changed you. (insert activity here)=life essays are usually average.</p>

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<p>@elcrew</p>

<p>Your CR score of 640 is below average for Cornell, and presumably your math is lower than that? I think you must bring these scores up, if possible to have a realistic shot.</p>

<p>If memory serves, CALS recommends SAT II, but does not require them. Perhaps someone else on this forum knows whether not taking them will significantly hurt your chances.</p>

<p>Based on what you’ve shown us so far, Cornell looks like a reach for you.</p>

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<p>I spoke to the CALS admissions office and they said that not having any SAT II’s doesn’t negatively affect your application. My math SAT was shockingly low and definitely does not represent my capabilities so I’m not worried about raising that score. I think I’d have the best shot at applying ED w/out the SAT II’s.</p>