I am going into my senior year and I plan on applying to Cornell CAS. Cornell is definitely a reach for me but I have had it in my mind for years to at least give myself a chance of getting in. The problem is, though that I didn’t know I needed to take the subject tests until a couple months ago.
I just need help to see how I should tackle this. I plan on going into physics, but I can’t really take the SAT physics test because I haven’t taken any physics courses yet (I will be this year)
Would it hurt my chances of getting in for a physics major by taking subject tests like spanish or english? I could possibly do a math one too.
I always had it planned to apply ED to Cornell but I might apply to a different school ED and Cornell RD. I guess that would give me more time to prepare for the subject tests… Cornell is the only school currently on my list that requires them.
For reference, a few stats:
First gen female
Small rural school
GPA: 4.0
Top 5% of class
At the end of senior year will have taken 6 total APs
Decent EC’s, but nothing “stellar” (there aren’t many opportunities available to me)
I think I can write a pretty memorable essay.
ACT: currently a 27 but I anticipate a 30+ by the time I apply
Good recs
A few things here. I believe if you apply ED to Cornell, you are not allowed to apply RD. At the ED round, admission will decide if they will accept, deny or defer you. If you are defer, you will be with those applying in an RD round.
Cornell seems to look for fit than just GPA, ACT/SAT. That said, your ACT should be over 30.
My D applied for CAS (with a humanity major), she took Math 1 and Spanish for subject tests and got 750 on both. She had only 4 APs. She had decent ECs. Everything about her stats comparing to Cornell’s admission data is middle of the road.
We believe her essay was what got her in. It told Cornell why Cornell and why her, very well written and very uniquely hers.
Work on your ACT, get the scores up. Choose the topic you want to write about and work hard on it. Have some adults you trust, look it over/critique. It has to be your essay.
Great advice from last post. I’m not sure about the physics subject test or not. Would recommend you call and ask an admissions counselor. I’m sure they will give good guidance.
Also want to emphasize how important the essay is. My D accepted for Class of 22 in CAS and 100% convinced her essay made the difference. She researched her major within the school and found a way to weave the curriculum into her essay very nicely…
Also - I believe that Cornell asks during the application process that you submit All Scores. We interpreted this to mean all sittings of SAT/ACT as well subject tests. Not sure how they check that but they might.
Sorry the above post should not have referenced ACT.
Here is the text from the Cornell website:
Standardized Test Scores
You must submit your scores for either the SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT. Some of our undergraduate colleges/schools also have specific requirements for the SAT Subject Tests. Review the Freshman Admission Requirements Chart to see what’s required. It’s your responsibility to make sure that you have taken the right Subject Tests. All required scores must be officially reported to Cornell from the testing agency by our application deadline. Note that Cornell requires students to submit all scores from SAT tests taken and does not participate in the College Board’s Score Choice.
Thank you guys for the tips. I’ve been focusing lately (kind of obsessing actually lol) about my essay. I’m struggling to write it but I feel like I will get there, eventually. I have to… I realize that. Because my standardized tests are quite frankly not the greatest, I know I would have to write the best essay of my life to get into Cornell. I plan on taking the ACT again in September and I’m trying to buckle down and study as much as I can so I can get my current 27 to the highest possible score. As for the SAT IIs, I’m thinking I will maybe do some sort of combination between English, Math 1, and Spanish tests because those are the ones I’d realistically do the best at as I’ve taken full courses that cover what would be on them.
As for when I apply, I’m currently debating whether to do ED or RD to Cornell. Even though ED gives a higher chance, I think I’m going to base my decision on what my ACT score is after the September test date. If it’s not as high as I’d like I might wait for RD. I really want to apply ED to Kenyon, and I think I have a shot there as I’m local and have talked privately with a couple professors and set up some things for a club I started at my school. But I also love the idea of going to Cornell although it’s a HIGH reach, so it’s a hard decision
Thanks again for the help, and I’ll appreciate any more tips you might have in regards to the essay, or the SAT IIs/ ACT
