Hi, I'm new here. I'm in my junior year and Cornell's my dream school. Could someone please help me understand what they look for during admissions? You know, beyond just grades and test scores. Thanks a ton!
Welcome to the forum! Cornell University is indeed an excellent choice, and it's clear that you're planning ahead, which is always a good thing. Let's dig in and examine some of the crucial aspects that Cornell considers during their admissions process.
Firstly, as you are already aware, academics play a significant role. They look at your GPA, the rigor of your courses, and your standardized test scores (Cornell has returned to requiring standardized test scores for the 2024-2025 application cycle). To give you an idea of the competitiveness of the application, in the fall of 2023 Cornell's acceptance rate was 7.9%.
However, beyond these, they're looking to admit students who will genuinely contribute to the Cornell community. One way they measure this is through your extracurricular activities. Are you deeply involved in a few activities? Have you shown leadership, passion, and commitment? Ideally, they're looking for activities that show a high level of achievement or leadership (Tier 1 and 2, in CollegeVine's terminology). However, even lower-tier activities can make a significant impact, particularly if they align with your prospective major or future career goals.
Also, your essays are vitally important. Cornell wants to see that you've taken the time to really research and understand the unique culture and academic opportunities at the university. They expect thoughtful and well-crafted essays that demonstrate not just why you want to attend Cornell, but how you'll contribute to the campus community. Avoid cliche topics and try to weave in your own unique experiences.
Lastly, Cornell asks for two letters of recommendation from teachers and another from a guidance counselor. These are a chance for the university to get to know you from a different perspective. They're looking at your potential for success, intellectual curiosity, and personal character.
Remember, holistic review is key at Cornell; all of these parts are necessary to put together a competitive application. Good luck with your college journey!
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