I am an Indian female. I took my first ever SAT and got a 1500 (700 RW; 800M)
Is this good enough for Cornell considering the fact that I would be applying as an international student and can get stellar recs?
http://irp.dpb.cornell.edu/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Profile2017-Freshmen.pdf
It’s slightly above average for Cornell but not much. Cornell’s acceptance rate was at an all time low this year and is very competitive. Have match and safety schools on your list. Cornell is a reach for everyone, especially international students. Stellar recommendations are not enough.
Hey, congrats on your 1500. I would recommend you retake it to get above a 1550+. Although some people view Cornell to be easier to get into compared to the other Ivies, it is still incredibly hard to get into. I wouldn’t take the chance of having scores hinder your chance of admission and just study a little bit more to get a higher score. Let me know if you need anything!
I recommend reading the book, Behind the Ivy Curtain.
It contains lots of interesting data about SAT/ACT scores.
In a nutshell you will find that the data shows once you have attained a 33 on ACT or a 1500 on SAT an improvement to your score gives you a statistically insignificant increase in your chance of acceptance to any IVY. You are better off focusing your time on ECs or APs, etc.
This advice worked well for my daughter. She was just accepted to Cornell class of 2022 with a 33 ACT. She focused on other elements of her application after she got a 33 on first try at ACT.