My daughter would like to apply to CALS next year - but it appears they actively do not consider test scores.
She has amazing test scores (1570 SAT, 36 ACT). Should she apply CAS instead because they are test optional (but will consider them)?
My opinion - you should apply to the school and program you want.
You should not “game” to get in the university - but especially if spending all that money, you should be laser focused (if you have that interest) on getting that interest fulfilled.
If you don’t get in, so be it.
Your student is far more than a test score - and they realize that - so if they’re right for the program they want at Cornell, they’ll shine through other ways.
I’m guessing Cornell regularly turns down 1570s - so it’s not like the score is a golden ticket.
Anyway, that’s how I think.
Best of luck to her.
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She is committed to Biological Sciences, which is a major that is offered at both CALS and CAS. She wants to study ornithology and entomology. It seems like Cornell is able to see right through CALS applicants who belong in CAS, but I truly think she might be a better fit for CALS. I just hate to think her test scores won’t be reviewed or considered at all - especially for her ED school.
The Cornell colleges are very much about fit. IMO, your D should apply to the school that best aligns with her intended major and interests.
If her intended major is available at both, look at the college specific graduation requirements because there are differences. Also read the mission statements of both colleges. There is also cost to consider if you are a NY resident.
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Here’s the thing - nobody else’s scores will be see either - right?
And again, a 1570 alone doesn’t necessarily bring an acceptance. She’s more than that.
ED likely helps of course - as long as you are willing and able to pay full freight (or what shows up on the NPC).
You have to do what you think is best - but I would definitely apply to the school I felt most at home with vs. where I think I have a better chance.
Not sure if it’s accurate as it’s 3rd party but college vine shows CALS with a 12.3% acceptance rate in 2021 vs. 7.1% for A&S - but we don’t know the stats, etc. of who applied.
I just think - I’m going to college - I’m going to apply where I want to be - but that’s me.
Has she looked at all the concentrations in CALS under biology - as you have to choose one?
Concentrations | CALS (cornell.edu)
Looks like A&S has them too.
Then what are the other differences that they’d even offer this in two schools? I assume you’ve figured out the differences.
I just know how I think - I’m aiming for the prize I want - but everyone is different.
Here’s the thing - if you apply and don’t get in, you’ll never know why - ie if you do CALS and don’t get in, you won’t know that it’s because they didn’t see your test.
Best of luck to you.
Thank you - very helpful. And I agree with you, she needs to select the best fit and then go for it. Yes, willing and able to pay full freight. Concentration is Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.
By now, almost everyone is aware that test scores are still optional at most colleges. If your daughter isn’t, be sure sure she understands. She can send her scores to colleges that consider them.
No student should apply to a college simply because the college considers test scores. That is probably the last reason to apply to any school.
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She completely understands that. But there’s a difference between “test optional” (Cornell CAS) and “test not considered” (Cornell CALS).
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Good. There is no issue. There is no reason for her to apply to CAS if she really wants CALS.
A good score is great. But test scores are really not that important in holsitic admissions at super selective universities. They are a data point and not subjective.
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