Chances of Getting into Cornell RD After a ED I Deferral for CALS

Getting deferred from Early Decision (ED) to Regular Decision (RD) can be a challenging situation, especially for students interested in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell University. However, being deferred doesn't necessarily diminish your chances. Here, we explore the factors that can influence your acceptance and provide guidance on how to improve your application.

Academic Profile

With a 1550 SAT score and a 92 average, your academic credentials are quite strong. Cornell University places a significant emphasis on high academic achievements. Your strong academic profile positions you well for consideration. It's important to note that Cornell's admissions committee is looking for students who consistently excel in various aspects of their academic and extracurricular lives.

Deferred Status

Being deferred means that the admissions committee had some reservations about your application. This is a positive sign, as it indicates that they are interested in your potential and want to see how you develop over the next year. Use this time to strengthen your application. Consider the following actions:

Additional Grades: Improve your academic performance and include updated transcript information in your RD application. Extracurricular Activities: Engage in new or expanded extracurricular activities and document these in your application. Letters of Recommendation: Request updated letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors who can provide fresh insights into your capabilities and character.

Additional Information

If you have any new achievements, awards, or significant improvements in your grades or extracurricular involvement since your initial application, make sure to highlight these in your RD application. This can be especially impactful if you have notable new experiences that distinguish you further.

Cornell's Acceptance Rates

Overall, Cornell's acceptance rate tends to be relatively low, typically around 10-12%, but the RD acceptance rate can be higher. For the Class of 2021, the RD admit rate was about 10%, compared to 25% for ED applicants. It's also worth noting that the waitlist is often longer than the admit list, indicating intense competition.

However, the exact chances can vary significantly depending on your specific major and the applicant pool. CALS, for instance, is a popular choice, and the competition within this major can be highly intense. Consider how your application compares to the average admitted student in terms of:

GPA: Is your GPA competitive with the average admitted student? Test Scores: Are your SAT scores in line with what Cornell typically accepts for your major? Extracurricular Involvement: How does your level of engagement and commitment to extracurricular activities compare?

Overall Competitiveness

Being deferred doesn't mean your chances are any lower, but it does mean you have the opportunity to present a stronger application. Use the time you have to focus on any updates to your profile, and be prepared to demonstrate your continued interest in Cornell and CALS.

Here's a summary of what you can do:

Improve your academic performance and include updated transcripts. Increase your extracurricular involvement and document any new achievements. Ensure your letters of recommendation are recent and from individuals who can provide fresh insights.

Good Luck!