<p>I have been digging up old threads, and consistently see UChicago and Cornell ranked near the top for most challenging academics. Sure enough, these are the 2 schools I’m deciding between (after weeding out rejections and bad financial aid). I go to a pretty bad high school, hasn’t sent anyone to cornell or chicago in at least 10 years. Am I completely screwed or what???</p>
<p>These colleges saw a profile of your high school when they were deciding whether to accept you. They also obviously saw all of your credentials. So the admissions officials, with years of experience, decided you are likely to be successful at their schools. Otherwise they wouldn’t have accepted you. Haha, I’m also considering Chicago.</p>
<p>The difference b/w UChicago/Cornell and MIT/Cal Tech is that MIT/Cal Tech kids aren’t whiners.</p>
<p>haha thankyou. you use lots of slashes</p>
<p>Do not for one second allow yourself to believe that you are an admissions mistake or fluke at these schools. The admissions officers know what they are doing. If you had the right stuff to get in, you have the right stuff to survive and to graduate.</p>
<p>That said, if you do find yourself struggling in classes, get yourself off to whatever academic support counseling that is offered. Those folks know what they are up to too.</p>
<p>All the best.</p>
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<p>Agreed.</p>
<p>I went to another university with this sort of reputation (MIT), and we had plenty of kids from bad high schools (about 5% of MIT frosh come from high schools that do not offer physics). I’m sure that you will not be alone in this issue at either of these schools. They knew what your high schools was like, and decided that you had what it took to make it there in spite of that. It does make it harder, but you can still succeed, and things will even out by the end of freshman year.</p>
<p>I agree with the previous posters. U of C and Cornell accepted you and they offered you financial aid? They believe in you!</p>
<p>Many first-year students (with all kinds of HS preparation) struggle academically because they are afraid to ask for help. If you have trouble academically, don’t be afraid! Talk to your professors, your advisor before you get overwhelmed. Utilize whatever resources the university offers (from the Cornell website: “The Learning Strategies Center is the central academic support unit at Cornell University that provides undergraduate students with tutoring … Assistance in improving general study skills is available through semester long courses, workshops, individual consultations, and web site resources.”)</p>
<p>One other thing: if you haven’t visited already, do so. If travel cost to Cornell is an issue, check with Admissions to see if they can help - many schools do. Remember, they want you!</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>