<p>A 4.0 at Cornell? Figgy, you’re a wonder! Congratulations! I know it must have been your enthusiasm for being there that carried you through the tough times, tests, etc. I’m glad to hear that you are not only happy to be there but that you are enjoying such success at Cornell as well. You’re going to do great!</p>
<p>For those who are following my S’s progress, he has not received his final grades yet for Fall semester, and we are on pins and needles right now. He should be getting them in a few days. We also finally received the GT Transfer Application Form from Cornell. Looks pretty straight-forward. </p>
<p>I see where they ask for midterm grades from Spring semester (or a signed report from the professors with grades-in-progress). Final grades often deviate from midterm, but they won’t know those until May, and decisions are made before that. I’m wondering if it goes kind of like final grades in your senior year of high school–you’re accepted provisionally, or something, unless those last grades are a disaster. With the GT being so grade-conscious, though, I’m wondering if the midterms are ok, but the finals dip, or vice versa, what the ramifications are for the GT. </p>
<p>Still so much up in the air for these GT students. Lots of questions I hope we can get answered at some point. I knew this would be another stressful year for my S and our family, and it has been that. On top of a stressful senior year last year of applying to colleges, etc.–I’m just hoping that this all works out for him! We want to be in the position of him just going to college like any other college student by now, not still trying to prove himself to get in to his favorite place, do you know what I mean? Erg! You really have to want this to put up with it; that’s all I can say! (but he does!).</p>
<p>Our trip to Cornell and my meeting was fantastic! The four-hour drive up from NYC went by fast with the scenery and beautiful weather. We spent a day exploring downtown Ithaca/commons, and I’ve got to say, I really think Ithaca will be a great collegetown experience. My parents and I loved the “small-city” feeling. The Statler Hotel, though slightly disappointing (maybe because we had such high expecations for the Hotel School), was in an amazingly convenient location with great views of the campus. </p>
<p>My meeting with the GT counselor went really well too. He seemed to stress the importance of maintaining strong mid-year second semester grades; I got the feeling that indeed, it’s much like senior-year of high school in that the committee will “provisionally” accept you. He also implied that completing some sort of math class freshman year (or during the summer before), even if not necessary, might “look good”. And he said that GTs/transfers have traditionally blended in well socially with the general Cornell students and that the school goes to great lengths to incorporate us. His words: “don’t worry at all”.</p>
<p>I too am anxiously awaiting my first semester marks. I’m pretty confident with all of my classes, except for one which is going to be close. We’ll see. </p>
<p>And great job Figgy with the 4.0! Congratulations!</p>
<p>so isn’t Ian the man? lol. Glad to hear about ur trip. When it’s nice out (almost all of fall semester) and when it’s populated with students it’s so much fun. Just wait till u c the gorges…</p>
<p>Oh, geez, diehldun! I’ve been thinking you were female all of this time–how weird is that! Well, I’m certainly glad you set me straight on that score! My sincere apologies! </p>
<p>I’m sorry your expectations weren’t exactly met at the Statler. It wasn’t a grand fancy hotel, as I remember, but it is nice, and we did stay in a huge suite when we were there with a terrific view of the clock tower, campus, and valley, so I might be biased on that score (it was over a graduation of another family member).</p>
<p>Anyway, thanks so much for reporting back on your meeting. So, was it your impression, then, that the midterm grades in spring needed to meet the grade requirements (midterms are such whacky grades sometimes, not really reflecting a student’s true performance–I know this because I used to teach college English, and some semesters I only had one paper grade so far to base an entire midterm grade on). It seems like the final grades in May would matter more? Could you explain a bit more what you found out about that?</p>
<p>I’m glad you had good weather to see the campus and town. Was this your first trip to Ithaca? </p>
<p>I have great news in our S’s case–he got his grades and met ALL of the first semester requirements for the GT! Whoo–hoo! We are so excited and now know he just has to do it one more time, and it’s moving time for him to Ithaca next fall!</p>
<p>Good luck to you with your grades–sounds like you are in pretty good shape, but it will be a relief to know for sure, just as it was for us!</p>
<p>Yes, it was my impression that it is IMPERATIVE to maintain strong midterm grades in the spring semester that meet (or even exceed) the grade requirements in order for the GT to work. The GT committee (within each school) then makes the decision on the first semester and mid-year grades, and if they like what they see, then they’ll offer you the ‘tentative’ acceptance. If not, they’ll want to see your final grades in May, and they’ll ultimately make their decision from there. The problem with that, however, is that you’ll be behind others in regards to housing, etc. </p>
<p>Actually, this was my second trip to Ithaca (we went when I was an infant and I don’t remember a thing, so perhaps that doesn’t count). Congratulations too to your son for meeting all the GT requirements! I find out around Christmastime (boy, should make for an interesting holiday…). The weather on Long Island has been relatively warm lately, making for a great winter break so far.</p>
<p>Hey GT’s, I was deferred from ED and e-mailed an adcom I met and asked him about what happened, and app. HEOP forgot to forward my app. til the last second, so I was screwed Anyway, he said he believes (even though this is by no mean official) that my worst case scenario would probably be a guaranteed transfer. Can one of you guys tell me if a SUNY of CC would be better if this happens, and if you are treated like a normal student once you’re at Cornell. My mom worked at SUNY new paltz and she said transfer students always got screwed with housing, credits, and electives, so she doesn’t think it’s a good idea (even though I’m doing it if that’s what happens Do they take all your credits from another school?</p>
<p>and P.S- do you still have to take the swim test, because I dont know how to swim!!!</p>
<p>Grantortue - You can GT from almost anywhere and it’s a VERY well set up system…you will not be screwed in any way! I guess just read lots of the threads to find out more cuz it’s too much to write lol.</p>
<p>Thank you, Figgy! He is pleased, but there is one more semester to go, and he continues to take very challenging classes in the spring. (There I go again, not allowing myself to enjoy good news but instead fretting over remaining uncertainties!). </p>
<p>diehldun–So, you were told in ILR that if you don’t have a required grade in a Cornell-required course at midterm, there may be a problem with the GT? Midterm grades are so NOT a realistic picture of what final grades may turn out to be. I should think they’d know that. Still, if they have to make their decision before May, that’s all they really have to go on, I suppose. What if a final grade falls below the requirement? Did you happen to ask about that? It would then be after the transfer admissions period ended, so it seems the student would not be considered for the regular transfer pool? Is the student just out of luck at both schools in that case?</p>
<p>grantortue–I’m so sorry to hear that it was some paper shuffling mistake that hurt your chances! That’s just rotten. If you do get a GT, though, that is a good offer, and it can save you lots of money in the long-run. We were told, like Figgy, that either the CC or 4-year college would work–what’s important is to make sure you can get the classes you need (Cornell will tell you their required courses for the GT), and that you’ll be able to take them by May of your first year (summer after freshman year won’t work). I’d still recommend a CC for a student doing this. It is less expensive, and the CC is geared toward helping students transfer. A 4-year school wants to hold onto students (retention makes them look better), and will probably cost more money. You’d get all the info. you needed, though, from the college you’re applying to at Cornell if you get offered a GT. It’s a good thing, though, if it happens, so keep your chin up! I’d say you’ve definitely been given reason to hope!</p>
<p>Dr_Mom, he <em>hinted</em> that you can submit midterm reports after a project, etc. instead should the midterm report be due before the midterm exam(s). I’ll leave it at that. Afterwards you should definitely maintain the GT-required grades because they CAN refuse you (not necessarily, see below) admission if you ultimately fail to do so. Then, you will be considered among the general transfer pool, but I have a feeling you still have an advantage, especially if you have been in close contact/communication with the specific school. </p>
<p>But your son met the first semester’s requirements, so I wouldn’t worry as much! (I still have yet to find out how I did… oy vey what a terrible way to spend the break!)</p>
<p>Hey, diehldun–We already know about that one–the application form itself that my S received has a place for the student to get his/her professors to fill out a grade on the form and sign it, then follow-up with the official midterm grade report when it comes out. That will be the case at my S’s present school–official midterm grades will not be out by Cornell’s transfer application deadline. So that’s not my question so much–I’m wondering if a grade or grades don’t meet the requirement at midterm what happens to the GT, since it seems like the final grade is the one that really matters. By then, though, they will have already made their decisions about the regular transfer pool. </p>
<p>We’re going to see if they will meet with my S to go over some of these questions. Did either of your parents go in with you when you had your meeting at ILR? </p>
<p>Wow–that is a pain about not knowing your final grades yet. At least my S had that information before Christmas, so he’s able to relax on that side of things. It sounds like you’re going to do just fine, though! Be sure to let us know when you hear! We’re pulling for you!</p>
<p>i mean, it is very fortunate that these ppl got GTs for their upcoming year, but is this because their stats were slightly below the expectations or what?</p>
<p>qtipkorea4u–GTs are apparently given for a number of reasons. One of them appears to be space. There is simply not enough room in the freshman classes of all of the colleges and majors at Cornell for all of the students they would like to accept to have a spot. This is what we were told. There might be other reasons, too, but a student can have stats in the acceptance range and still get a GT. There are 1-year GTs and 2-year GTs, by the way.</p>
<p>The pressure comes from the GPA and grades required in the student’s freshman year to keep his/her GT. Freshman year, students are learning how to adjust to college life, the kind of work required, etc., so it is not uncommon for a student who was at the top of his/her class in high school to get lower grades when beginning college. Add to that the difficulty of some particular college courses, and you end up with the feeling that you are still “proving” yourself to Cornell. </p>
<p>The GT is a great opportunity, but it does not come without its difficulties and stresses for college freshmen. You have to really want to go to Cornell, I would say, to put up with the stress that first year for the 1-year GT.</p>
<p>That said, many students go to their second choice school and just take the attitude that if they meet the requirements for Cornell, then great, if not, then they’ll be happy at their current school and stay there, no problem. </p>
<p>My S has an added pressure because he (so far) does not want to stay at his current school if the GT does not work out. He will likely want to transfer somewhere else, either way.</p>
<p>Dr_Mom, you said that your son is unhappy at his current school and will transfer regardless of whether or not GT ends up working out for him? Is he applying as a transfer student to other schools?</p>
<p>I’m taking my classes at a community college so that I can stay home and work and save money this year (I’m a GT for next fall) and even though my classes are easy, there’s a really small part of me that’s scared that GT won’t work out and I won’t have any other options for next year. I considered applying to other schools as a transfer student, but I decided against it. Everything’s kind of riding on the GT for me, but I’m sure it’ll be fine in the end.</p>
<p>Thanks for asking! I’ve actually been enjoying my break, spending time with family and enjoying my “own space” instead of having a roommate and sharing everything in the building! I head back in about a week, and I can honestly say that I’m enjoying my time at home, haha.</p>
<p>In other news, I just received last-semester’s grades. Though I more-than-plenty met the GT GPA requirement, I did end up getting the B- on the one class I was worried about (and As on everything else). I’m pretty bummed about it, but I’m still cautiously optimistic about things and am going to be taking things slowly, but carefully during this GT process. I guess I am also going to have to go 200% effort now (up from 100%, haha) this next semester…</p>
<p>Aurgh!! This is just like (senior-year) high school again. I also have the same question as Indigo451, if you don’t mind me asking: since your son seems to be fairly committed to his GT, is he applying to other schools too “just-in-case”? If your son is heading back to school soon too, I wish him another successful semester!</p>
<p>No; my S has not applied for transfer for next year anywhere else. He’s not unhappy, per se, at his current school, it was just his 3rd choice school overall, so he still has these lingering thoughts of the other 2. If the GT does not work out at Cornell for next fall, he will likely wait and hope to transfer to his 2nd choice school as a junior after another year either at his current school (3rd choice) or at the local CC. Like you, indigo451, he is banking all of his chips right now on the GT, so we’re keeping our fingers crossed! I happen to think you are very smart to have gone the CC route. My S wanted the “college experience” and thought he could get some of the other adjustments such as dorm life, doing his own laundry, managing time, etc. out of the way before the transfer to Cornell and at least have that part of the experience that he would have had if he had gone to Cornell as a freshman. I have to admit that he says he is still pleased with his decision. He has had to stay diligent with the 4-year school he is attending to make sure he gets what he needs for Cornell, since it is not their mission in life to make it easy for their freshmen to transfer after one year, but so far it’s working.</p>
<p>diehldun–Congrats on your grades! Was your one B- in a Cornell-required class, or in another class of your own choice? I seem to remember it was a class you chose to take? If so, it seems you have nothing to worry about! Congrats on all those As!</p>
<p>Oh, and best of luck on spring semester to all GTs–my S doesn’t go back until late in the month (much to my satisfaction–I love having him home!). One more semester to go!</p>
<p>Thanks again for checking in–I check this board often to follow everyone’s progress!</p>
<p>btw–My S has a meeting coming up at Cornell about his GT, so we’ll be sure to pass along any new information that might be helpful to other GTs, generally speaking.</p>
<p>Oh Dr_Mom, so it sounds like your son was able to finally get a meeting at Cornell regarding his GT? That sounds great, and do share anything interesting!</p>
<p>My B- was not a Cornell-required course, but rather, mandatory at where I’m at right now. I’m hoping it’s not going to be too big of an issue, but we’ll see.</p>
<p>Yep, diehldun–He has a meeting set up just to go over the final phase of the process in more detail and confirm where he stands. May I ask–did either of your parents attend your meeting with you at Cornell?</p>
<p>No, they did not. They did see me off from the Statler, as Ives Hall is literally right next to the Statler’s driveway. I think it would have been awkward otherwise, honestly.</p>
<p>Dr_Mom, you can ask your son’s counselor, but I think for me, the requirement was a B in every course, not only the GT-specified ones. Oh well.</p>
Anyway, he said he believes (even though this is by no mean official) that my worst case scenario would probably be a guaranteed transfer. Can one of you guys tell me if a SUNY of CC would be better if this happens, and if you are treated like a normal student once you’re at Cornell. My mom worked at SUNY new paltz and she said transfer students always got screwed with housing, credits, and electives, so she doesn’t think it’s a good idea (even though I’m doing it if that’s what happens 
Do they take all your credits from another school?</p>
</p>