As a recent survivor of the college admissions process, I have witnessed firsthand the battle scars that the entire process leaves behind on you. Even to this day, tingles of anxiety run down my back when I see notifications from colleges scouting for new applicants: Loyola Admissions, Explore your future in New Orleans; Long Island University, $100 Million in Scholarships & Grants. These emails are just one of many lost in the depths of my junk folder.
Our job is now done; we have successfully convinced the admissions committee that we are a valuable asset to the university — now it is their turn to convince us to become a part of their student body. The college experience is more than the degree you earn: it is about the relationships you build here, the mistakes you encounter and the lessons you learn from them, as well as a general sense of belonging with campus culture.
Other colleges approach this remarkably well. Yale recognizes that it is their turn to convince students to choose them and hosts Bulldog Days for admitted students to explore campus and experience the Yale experience firsthand. According to Yale’s website, current students host these admitted students and prepare different events to show everything Yale has to offer. Participating in these events is a great opportunity for admitted students to meet their future classmates and to build a community before stepping foot on campus in the fall.
While Cornell does host an admitted students day, it was only available to students admitted in the regular decision round this year due to limited space capacity. Cornell Days were filled with campus tours for admitted students, student panels and meet-and-greets, but many wondered if it was worth the complications and financial burdens that students face when traveling to Cornell. COVID has also further complicated matters and made it difficult for students to experience campus as it was pre-pandemic.
Yet, focusing their interest on regular decision admits is also harmful for students who were accepted through early decision; their early commitment to Cornell should not deny them opportunities to attend events that were created to make connections between admitted students.
Colleges don’t necessarily have to invest a lot of resources into marketing for admitted students. Sometimes, smaller and more thoughtful actions are better appreciated. Schools like Duke University send out commitment packages filled with various cheesy goods like water bottles and school flags. Despite the cheesiness, this affirms the student’s choice to attend that particular university because they feel appreciated. It is an exciting feeling to build school pride before coming onto campus, and this can often ease the transition of entering a new environment in the fall.
Most colleges host events for admitted students in various large cities so students have the opportunity to meet each other and learn more about the university without having to travel to the university itself. It is an easier way to build connections with current students that doesn’t require additional travel costs, especially for students who live far away from Cornell. It is also a rewarding experience to see the fruits of your labor after the arduous college application process. Attending these events with the realization that you have accomplished your goal is a gratifying feeling. Yet, Cornell barely puts in any effort in engaging admitted students with these events. Although some alumni host send-off parties for committed students, there were no opportunities for admitted students to connect with each other in the spring. It is frustrating to feel that the school you dedicated the past couple of months to barely appreciates their students and doesn’t put in any effort in creating school pride.
Cornell is foremost a community: students from all over the world travel to be educated in this beautiful institution and invest a lot of their time and resources to hopefully receive an acceptance letter. They come here not just for the academics or the resources but for the people. Cornell could take the first step to foster this community by creating a welcoming atmosphere for all admitted students, whether they were admitted through early or regular decision. They could host welcome receptions for admitted students in April and help build the Cornell community in its early stages.
As a new member of Cornell’s community, I would have appreciated these opportunities to build connections with my classmates before arriving on campus. As we ease into a new application cycle post-pandemic, Cornell should take a step back and prioritize both rounds of admitted students and offer plenty of opportunities to discover all that Cornell has to offer. Through this, we can create a stronger Cornell community for years to come.
Adin Choung is a freshman in the College of Human Ecology. She can be reached at [emailprotected]. A Dinner is Served runs every other Thursday this semester.
FAQs
Cornell University looks for multitalented and involved students who have made significant contributions to their high schools and communities. Applicants should highlight their involvement in their applications and thread connections to how their interests make them a good fit for Cornell.
What kind of students does Cornell want? ›
What the admissions team is looking for beyond the numbers is intellectual potential, strength of character, and love of learning. They want to know about each student's ability, achievements, motivation, leadership, diligence, and integrity; their sense of fairness and compassion.
Does Cornell look at extracurriculars? ›
Your extracurricular activities section is the perfect place to do just that. Cornell doesn't care as much about what you do as they do about how you do it. In whatever activities you've chosen, aim to be the best you can be. It sounds cliche, but it's true.
How do colleges decide how many students to accept? ›
Offers of admission are based on each school's enrollment objectives. Making admissions decisions is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Large state schools may use a test score and GPA formula. Highly selective schools may have multiple reviewers with many voices weighing in on a decision.
What is the hardest school to get into at Cornell? ›
The most selective schools at Cornell for admissions are:
College of Arts & Sciences. College of Engineering.
What is the easiest Ivy League school to get into? ›
Cornell is the easiest and youngest Ivy League school. It was established in 1865 and is situated in Ithaca, New York. Out of 49,114 candidates, Cornell accepted 5,330, for an admission percentage of around 10.9%.
Why is Cornell so prestigious? ›
Established in the late 19th century, Cornell University was the final college to join the Ivy League. The school is unique among both Ivies and private colleges, with government land grants and multiple campuses. Cornell's academic strength is concentrated in STEM, where it outranks its Ivy League peers.
What is the easiest college to get into Cornell? ›
The Hotel School in the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business is the least competitive with an acceptance rate of 30% The School of Human Ecology has a 23 % acceptance rate, the second-highest acceptance rate of all the schools at Cornell.
How do you increase your chances of getting into Cornell? ›
With a GPA of 4.07, Cornell requires you to be at the top of your class. You'll need nearly straight A's in all your classes to compete with other applicants. Furthermore, you should be taking hard classes - AP or IB courses - to show that college-level academics is a breeze.
What is the most popular degree at Cornell University? ›
The most popular majors at Cornell University include: Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services; Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Engineering; Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science and Related Fields; Social Sciences; Physical Sciences; Architecture and Related ...
We value the process of discovery through learning, teaching, scholarship, and innovation to advance the University's mission, in all cases striving with integrity for excellence and purpose.
Who should not write letters of recommendation for you? ›
Avoid recommendation letters from well-known or influential people who don't know you well or personally. Having someone write on your behalf just because they are “cool” or impressive doesn't boost your application — it can actually hurt it.
Do colleges want well-rounded students? ›
The Hard Truth: Elite Colleges Do Not Value Well-Rounded Applicants. Previously Published on June 28, 2016: The single most pervasive myth that surrounds the elite college admissions process is that of the well-rounded applicant.
How do admissions officers pick students? ›
Factors That Most Affect Admission Decision. Many small, selective colleges pay greater attention to personal statements and essays, teacher and counselor recommendations, leadership experiences, and the individual talents of applicants. They typically offer the chance for a face-to-face interview.
What type of person goes to Cornell? ›
With so many different colleges within Cornell, there is “a plethora of diverse students” here, but the underlying commonality between all students is “ambition and ability.” “From farm kids and pre-med students to engineers and hoteliers, Cornell is home to all sorts of students,” says one.
What values does Cornell look for? ›
Cornell University has six core values that bind us as a community: Purposeful Discovery, Free and Open Inquiry and Discussion, A Community of Belonging, Exploration across Boundaries, Changing Lives through Public Engagement and Respect for the Natural Environment.
What does Cornell college look for? ›
What does Cornell look for when we review your application? Intellectual potential. Have you challenged yourself in the curriculum and opportunities available to you? How have you demonstrated your passion for learning?
Who gets likely letters from Cornell? ›
Absolutely, Cornell does send out likely letters, and they are an early indication that you're a top pick for their incoming class. These letters usually go to candidates who have particularly distinguished themselves, often through exceptional academic achievement, talent, or other notable contributions.
