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Cornell University

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Your Combined ACT:
*** reported for attending students
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SAT Math + Verbal:
*** reported for attending students
Your Chances at Cornell
(on ACT score alone)
Your Chances at Cornell
(on SAT score alone)
Men
Women
# Applicants
21,577
18,422
# Admitted
3,024
3,198
% Admitted
14.0%
17.4%
% Overall
15.6%

Students who got into Cornell:

Tips mention: Interview (4), ACT/SAT (34), Grades (42), Sports/Extracurriculars (12), College Essay (19)
High GPA (>3Sep 01 2010Meteorology
High GPA (>3.7) a must. Strong SATs or strong ACTs. Involvement in extracurriculars is strongly desirable. Community involvement and volunteerism are a big plus. I worked 20 hours a week, was on two varsity sports teams, was involved in multiple clubs and had a 4.0 at a large suburban high school (graduating class 500+, ranked in top 20). That was good enough for regular decision acceptance, but not ED.
SAT: 1400 Male
Work hard, haveFeb 06 2008Computer Engineering
Work hard, have extracurriculars, write a good personal essay, and be lucky!
SAT: 1440 Male
I got great SAT scores and GPA, was involvedApr 20 2007Communications
I got great SAT scores and GPA, was involved in leadership roles in ECs and I worked two part time jobs while playing two varsity sports. I think that the hard work at the jobs while doing all of the other things is what got me in.
You have to set yourself apartMar 09 2007Political Science
You have to set yourself apart. Everyone has solid scores, awards, rankings, great GPA's, 5's on all of their AP's... but you need to become more than a number to them. They want to see that you are different- not just a resume-building drone bent on going Ivy.

The essay is important, because it is your chance to explain yourself. If you have an X-factor (you lived in Peru for a year working with impoverished children, you've published, or have some great life experience to tell) this is your chance to make it known. But it's important to keep the tone such that you aren't bragging, just telling and honest story. They like to hear what you've learned, how you are a better person/student, and how your experiences will make you an asset to the Cornell community. And they know when you are bull-shitting.

Solid extra-curriculars (NOT copious extracurriculars- there's a difference) will also show them that you can handle the pressure of simultaneuously balancing multiple commitments
(which you will definitely have to do as a Cornell student).

Finally, let them know if Cornell how you fit into Cornell- what programs are you interested? And don't talk about how prestigious it is, they know that. What they want to know is why Cornell is the best fit for you, and why you are the best fit for Cornell. And it doesn't hurt to let them know that they are your top pick (if they are) and that you love the University (if you do).

Basically, a solid candidate is more than numbers- they are interesting, and they stand out from the crowd.
SAT: 1440 Female

Excellent grades, good SAT scores, lot ofAug 09 2006History/Histories (art history/etc.)
Excellent grades, good SAT scores, lot of extracurricular activities.
Male
Cornell University
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