I am looking to apply to Cornell's joint MFA/PhD program. What are my chances?
Cornell is the tops. Their MFA program is incredible with incredible instructors and their PhD program is just as impressive. There is a professor there whom I really wish to study under. I am going to be graduating from my current Literary Studies MA program at a non-prestigious state university with (hopefully) a 3.8 gpa. My undergrad gpa was piss-poor (3.2), but I'll explain this in my personal statement. I have published creative works in literary magazines such as "The Heavy Feather Review" and "The Milo Review," and others in lesser known publications. I've submitted to some upper echelon magazines (Iowa Review, Tin House, etc.) and I'm hoping I get one before the application process. I am also working on a novel which I plan to use as my creative writing sample. I have presented at multiple conferences (e.g. H.E.R.A., Newberry Library) and have an academic paper published in a decent scholarly journal. For these conferences I received honorary travel grants. I have also received a departmental honor from the graduate school. What are your thoughts on this? Chances?
I am looking to attend Cornell next fall. I would like to open a dialogue about the university and what I need to do to get there. Where can I find alumni or current students who are willing to discuss this with me?
Cornell is a great place (I'm an alum '87 and PhD). Student impressions of it often revolve around how big it is, how remotely it is located (in upstate NY, on a hill overlooking Cayuga lake), how long and snowy the winters are, and how difficult the curriculum is. All of those things are true, plus it is a great place to learn and make lifelong friends. I'm happy to start the ball rolling, but if you contact the university admissions office you might be able to get connected with an alum in your area to meet in person. If you apply for admission I believe they will try to connect you officially through the Cornell Alumni Admission Ambassador Network (CAAAN) if there is a volunteer near enough to you. I've volunteered with CAAAN for a number of years and once connected we offer the prospective students a chance to sit down in person and ask any questions they have. If you are applying to graduate school rather than undergraduate admissions, the best place to start is often with the faculty in the program to which you are applying. They can connect you with a grad student, and of course answer any questions about the program. Best wishes in your process!
How likely am I to get into Cornell with 29 ACT, 3.7 GPA?
You have a great GPA and rigorous courses, although I would focus on pulling up that ACT score. A 29 is about 1900+ SAT score if you convert it, and that's kind of low for Cornell/Ivy League caliber. I would get it up to about 2100+ SAT-wise (sorry, I'm not very familiar with the ACT system, but you can convert it online if you use google). You also seem to have great extracurriculars/volunteering. However, try to get some leadership positions at these activities as well. You are a competitive candidate, at best. And to be honest, just do your best. Admissions at extremely selective and completely unpredictable these days. They turn down students with a 36 ACT score and perfect 4.0 grades. They are looking for PEOPLE, not robotic dream children of crazy strict parents. They're looking for passion and leaders; people who will make something of themselves when they graduate (and eventually may donate back to their university or give back fame by becoming a president or high-profile CEO). Be on the lookout for advice/opportunities from counselors, friends, family members, alumni, college visitors, etc. And kill those personal essays; start on them early!
Am I good enough for Cornell?
I am a senior in high school, looking for a college to fit my wants and my future goals. I am stuck between the majors of Architectural Design and Fashion Design. When looking for schools I came across Cornell. It is a extremely competitive school, but I really want to go there. I have had a 4.0 and higher for my entire high school career; have received a 5 on the AP Biology test, 3's on AP History; scored a 1730 on my SAT (kinda low); a 26 on ACT; 690 on Biology Subject test; 570's on Lit. and US History SAT subject tests; am involved in my community (do community service and volunteer); am 1st flute in concert band (as well as honor band); march in marching band; Contestant in science bowl; great athlete in Cross country and Track (best long distance girl); Have attended summer programs in design, music, and running. I just want to know if I would be a good candidate for an Ivy league school. I am well rounded, but am not the "best" in much of anything. My test scores are a little better than average. I really want to apply... What do you think?
Cornell Students - Do you like Cornell?
I'm a junior looking into a place to apply early to next year. I have heard some rumors that of all the Ivy League schools, the highest percentage of students at Cornell transfer out, and also that Cornell has a very demanding workload. I know the whole suicide thing is false though. For some information about myself. I love math and science, specifically Environmental studies. I am very outdoorsy (I love fishing, mountain biking, hiking and golf), and I love naturally scenic areas. So I have two questions. Do you enjoy Cornell? and do you think I would fit in? (I would probably apply to CALS) Thanks!
Can I make it into Cornell University?
Your credentials definitely look good enough for a school like Cornell. However, I will warn you that most American Higher Education colleges/universities now-adays are mostly filling quotas. I was at the top of my class, took 9 AP classes, had perfect SAT and ACT scores, a Varsity athlete and ran many clubs and had a slew of intense extra-cirricular activities. At the end of the day, I didn't get into any of the schools I wanted to go to, and was randomly waitlisted across the boards. From state schools to the University of Chicago and Yale I got basically the same answer--"maybe". As you will hear every time you visit a school or university, sometimes they just "need another kid from the southwest" or "could really use another tuba player". Your credentials are good, but be aware that often you have no influence over where you will get accepted or rejected, so make sure you have a decent safety school to fall back on, as it often comes down to chance.