Please chance me for RD Human Ecology!

shivaratri
Mon, 16 Mar 2015 06:20:06 +0000

Hi everyone!

I was hoping I could get some feedback on my chances at getting into Cornell Human Ecology. I applied RD to the Human Biology, Health, and Society program and it is definitely my #1 choice right now! I’m getting very anxious for the 31st, as I’m sure many of you are…

Thanks in advance for any comments! Here are my “stats:” (sorry if it’s disorganized)

GPA: 3.897 / 4.000 (un-weighted)
Rank: 15 / 373 (Top 4%)

So… here’s the thing: I graduated high school early back in 2013. I was the first person to graduate early from my high school… and with the extra time, I took a gap year (well… I actually took two gap years, but I’ll get to that later)…

Also, my GPA at graduation was 4.000 unweighted, and I was the valedictorian of my graduating class (but I screwed up a bit in my final semester, which is my rank took a hit).

ACT: 28 Composite (31 English, 29 Math, 23 Reading, 27 Science, 12 Essay)

I also submitted an AP English Lit/Comp Score (=5), hoping that might compensate for my low ACT-Reading score.

Took 13 AP Courses; AP Scholar with Distinction
Took 3 classes through Harvard University Extension School (12 credits)

School Volunteer Recognition Award (for over 300 hours served tutoring)
High School ECs

Piano Lessons (Since age 5). Top marks in statewide music competition, guest pianist for local church
Pre Med Club (President/Founder)
Student Council
Mock Trial (Lead Defense Attorney)
Creative Writing Club (Co-President)
Gay/Straight Alliance
National Art Honor Society (Secretary)

Summer Internship at University Hospital, researching glioblastoma and cancer stem cells + helped write a couple of chapters of a new textbook on stem cells & cancer stem cells.

Started local fundraiser for Oklahoma Tornado Relief (raised about $4,000)

Created a charity fashion show (designed the show, made the garments, sold tickets, sold the clothes, donated proceeds to a local breast cancer treatment initiative)

Gap Year #1:

For ten months, I volunteered in Tanzania (~10 weeks), Nepal (~12 weeks), India (~6 weeks), and Vietnam (~10 weeks). In Tanzania, I worked in a local hospital and also traveled extensively throughout Tanzania and Kenya, visiting Maasai villages and offering free HIV testing/treatment guidance. In Nepal and India, I taught in various schools (from elementary age to college students) and spent time helping in orphanages. In Vietnam, I worked with an NGO that specializes in low-income education in Hanoi.

By the way… I was able to pay for this trip with funds I inherited from my mother. I didn’t explicitly mention that in my application, however.

Gap Year #2:

So, this might be where my application becomes confusing. After the first gap year, I wanted to pursue another interest of mine before deciding on a college program. I have (or, perhaps more accurately, had) two very different interests: medicine and fashion. During my second gap year, I am working with a fashion designer in New York City. It has been an interesting experience, but I know now that I want to study medicine. I tried to explain this very clearly in my applications, so there wouldn’t be any misunderstanding about what I want to pursue.

I think my essays were pretty decent. My Common App was very personal and talked about the loss of my mother. The college-specific essays talked about my interest in global health, and why Cornell’s program would be perfect for me.

Recommendations were hopefully good, too. All of my references know my very well (including one from my piano instructor, who has known me my whole life)

Other facts…

Applied for Financial Aid: Yes
Income Bracket: ~$ 60,000 (single parent)
Residence: Midwest
Male

Any thoughts? I know I’m probably an unusual candidate, so I don’t know what to expect. I can only hope for the best!