Cornell College of Human Ecology is suppose to be unique in that they market themselves on selecting students based on many factors because of the nature of the Human Ecology major. The College also is a SUNY hybrid institution with different tuition costs, a separate admission committee and, theoretically, a selection criteria which purports to take a holistic approach relative to deciding who gets in and who doesn’t. They have alumni reaching out to interview applicants but they insist that it is not an interview. Instead, they call it an “information session.” They maintain this even though the interviewer has to write a report on the interview and send it in to the School. Bottom line is that this College within the Cornell University System is basically operating on the same admissions platform as the “main” University. After all, you get a Cornell Diploma. So SAT’s are the main mechanism utilized for determining who gets in. They talk a good game about other factors, but that’s is all it is…talk. They would reject Leonardo DaVinci if he applied with modest SAT Scores. So all an Applicant’s work on their portfolio, essays and grades becomes irrelevant unless they can present high SAT Scores. There are other schools who operate in a similar fashion. We need transparency in the admissions process. Schools need to say what they mean and mean what they say. If SAT’S are ultimately the litmus test for admission, say so. Rejecting a National Honor Society applicant with a 95 average, demonstrated extensive relevant extra curricular activities and nationally recognized artistic ability and above average SAT Scores, does not comport with this College’s stated admission’s philosophy.Sour grapes? You bet!
DaVinci’s SAT scores were probably pretty good.
All the colleges at Cornell operate this way. It is not just Human Ecology. And you don’t seem to have much of an idea about the competitiveness of these elite institutions. Most of their applicants are NHS with a 95 average, above average SAT’s and unique extracurriculars. There is no lack of transparency here; what there is is way too many applicants for only a few spots. And if you look at the Common Data Set, you will certainly see that SAT’s are not the only thing that matters. In fact, you will hear arguments from some rejected students with very high SAT’s who claim that MORE weight should be given to standardized tests.
I understand you must be disappointed and you might need to vent, but your arguments suggest a certain arrogance that is not warranted in an intensely competitive environment.
Most of the top tier schools have a holistic approach to admissions. But they will also tell you that standardized tests, GPA, and course rigor are key elements in the admission decision. And there are likely more students who have it all – including top academic statistics as well as demonstrated interest in the field than there are spots available. Sulk for a day if you didn’t get in and are disappointed, but then you need to move on. Find schools that are matches for your standardized test scores as well as your GPA. There are so many amazing colleges and universities out there and it sounds like you should qualify for a number of them. Look forward not behind.
If those grapes are sour, you can always put them in the sun for a bit and then nosh on sweet, delicious raisins.
dont h8, appreciate
At super-selective schools, the subjective and holistic factors are highly important in how they differentiate between hordes of 3.9-4.0 GPA, 2250+ SAT, 34+ ACT students who apply. But you need high academic stats just to get into the pool of applicants that they are willing to look at closely for the subjective and holistic factors.
Exactly, you have to first get into the ballpark to even have a chance at bat.
But that wasn’t a bad rant!
Revilers gonna revile.
While you may THINK that rejecting someone like you does not comport with school philosophy, the fact is there is limited space. Thus, admissions needs to pick some and reject some. Philosophy doesn’t trump physical reality. Or maybe you came off sounding undesirable (entitled? bit of a jerk? arrogant? who knows? ) in your personal statements and/or teachers’ recs…
Sorry you’re hurt but vent and move on to plan B. Be careful who you accuse of “pretending to be unique”. You clearly see yourself as unique.