Cornell c/o 2016 Applicants (2012-2013) Forum

[WhiteyCakes]

Your guess is as good as mine, man. My general impression is that the earlier we get them in, the earlier we'll get our decisions. They only specifically said that they'll let us know well in advance of deposit deadlines, but just because of the nature of the admissions process, I doubt they're going to wait until they all come in and make decisions. Again, though, I'm a 0L just like you, so hell if I know. What do you think?

I can see it both ways. On the one hand, it could make sense to make decisions as essays come in. That way, students can start looking seriously at Cornell if they get the scholly. On the other hand, with only 10 scholarships to give out, they have to make sure that they go to the right people. How do you know who the right poeple are unless you've seen all of the essays and can compare them?

[elterrible78]

Your guess is as good as mine, man. My general impression is that the earlier we get them in, the earlier we'll get our decisions. They only specifically said that they'll let us know well in advance of deposit deadlines, but just because of the nature of the admissions process, I doubt they're going to wait until they all come in and make decisions. Again, though, I'm a 0L just like you, so hell if I know. What do you think?

I can see it both ways. On the one hand, it could make sense to make decisions as essays come in. That way, students can start looking seriously at Cornell if they get the scholly. On the other hand, with only 10 scholarships to give out, they have to make sure that they go to the right people. How do you know who the right poeple are unless you've seen all of the essays and can compare them?

Maybe it's just my wishful thinking that getting it in early will get me some kind of advantage. That makes perfect sense, though. Wonder how many people were invited to apply?

[WhiteyCakes]

Your guess is as good as mine, man. My general impression is that the earlier we get them in, the earlier we'll get our decisions. They only specifically said that they'll let us know well in advance of deposit deadlines, but just because of the nature of the admissions process, I doubt they're going to wait until they all come in and make decisions. Again, though, I'm a 0L just like you, so hell if I know. What do you think?

I can see it both ways. On the one hand, it could make sense to make decisions as essays come in. That way, students can start looking seriously at Cornell if they get the scholly. On the other hand, with only 10 scholarships to give out, they have to make sure that they go to the right people. How do you know who the right poeple are unless you've seen all of the essays and can compare them?

Maybe it's just my wishful thinking that getting it in early will get me some kind of advantage. That makes perfect sense, though. Wonder how many people were invited to apply?

I've seen maybe 5-10 so far on TLS...but it is still early in the cycle.

[WhiteyCakes]

First draft: 553 words. Time to trim the fat.

[Rahviveh]

Your guess is as good as mine, man. My general impression is that the earlier we get them in, the earlier we'll get our decisions. They only specifically said that they'll let us know well in advance of deposit deadlines, but just because of the nature of the admissions process, I doubt they're going to wait until they all come in and make decisions. Again, though, I'm a 0L just like you, so hell if I know. What do you think?

I can see it both ways. On the one hand, it could make sense to make decisions as essays come in. That way, students can start looking seriously at Cornell if they get the scholly. On the other hand, with only 10 scholarships to give out, they have to make sure that they go to the right people. How do you know who the right poeple are unless you've seen all of the essays and can compare them?

Its highly unlikely that the schollies are handed out based on the merit of the essays.

That said, you should get the essays in ASAP because they need it before they can evaluate your candidacy.

[helix23]

Not that I know anything more than you guys, but the offer does say that it cannot be postmarked later than February 2013. This may imply that they collect all the essays then make decisions (after that date). It probably wouldn't hurt to get it in early though. All speculation here.

[moonman157]

Sorry, I'm a bit unfamiliar with the timeline of the application and haven't been keeping up with these threads lol. My application initially went complete on 10/9 and was just updated to 10/30 but still says complete. What's the next step/how long until a decision, if anyone knows. Thanks!

[WhiteyCakes]

Its highly unlikely that the schollies are handed out based on the merit of the essays.

This is an interesting assertion. Why would they bother having people write the essay if they didn't plan on making it a major component of their selection process?

[Rahviveh]

Its highly unlikely that the schollies are handed out based on the merit of the essays.

This is an interesting assertion. Why would they bother having people write the essay if they didn't plan on making it a major component of their selection process?

The essay is more likely to be a signalling component for interest in the school. If you don't bother to write the damn essay or do a shitty job, you probably have your heart set on HYS or somewhere else.

If you look at LSN for last year (it will require some digging) a lot of Dean's candidates actually withdrew early and didn't even bother to apply for the scholarship.

The scholarship's purpose is to attract T6 candidates (more HYS), but Cornell knows that even a full ride won't be convincing enough for a lot of candidates.

By the time they have the essays in hand and are evaluating Dean's candidates, they'll have admitted a lot of applicants and will have a better idea of what their yield could look like, and what GPA/LSAT #'s they still need to hit, or if they need URM's. So decisions will be made on that basis.

[WhiteyCakes]

Its highly unlikely that the schollies are handed out based on the merit of the essays.

This is an interesting assertion. Why would they bother having people write the essay if they didn't plan on making it a major component of their selection process?

The essay is more likely to be a signalling component for interest in the school. If you don't bother to write the damn essay or do a shitty job, you probably have your heart set on HYS or somewhere else.

If you look at LSN for last year (it will require some digging) a lot of Dean's candidates actually withdrew early and didn't even bother to apply for the scholarship.

The scholarship's purpose is to attract T6 candidates (more HYS), but Cornell knows that even a full ride won't be convincing enough for a lot of candidates.

By the time they have the essays in hand and are evaluating Dean's candidates, they'll have admitted a lot of applicants and will have a better idea of what their yield could look like, and what GPA/LSAT #'s they still need to hit, or if they need URM's. So decisions will be made on that basis.

A cynical view for sure...but you may be right.

[Rahviveh]

Its highly unlikely that the schollies are handed out based on the merit of the essays.

This is an interesting assertion. Why would they bother having people write the essay if they didn't plan on making it a major component of their selection process?

The essay is more likely to be a signalling component for interest in the school. If you don't bother to write the damn essay or do a shitty job, you probably have your heart set on HYS or somewhere else.

If you look at LSN for last year (it will require some digging) a lot of Dean's candidates actually withdrew early and didn't even bother to apply for the scholarship.

The scholarship's purpose is to attract T6 candidates (more HYS), but Cornell knows that even a full ride won't be convincing enough for a lot of candidates.

By the time they have the essays in hand and are evaluating Dean's candidates, they'll have admitted a lot of applicants and will have a better idea of what their yield could look like, and what GPA/LSAT #'s they still need to hit, or if they need URM's. So decisions will be made on that basis.

A cynical view for sure...but you may be right.

I don't think its cynical. Its widely agreed upon that the other T14 full rides are awarded based on numbers/URM status. Why should we think any different about Cornell just because they ask for an essay?

I'm a little disappointed they didn't invite more people. We'll see if they put any of that new $25 million gift to good use.

[WhiteyCakes]

I don't think its cynical. Its widely agreed upon that the other T14 full rides are awarded based on numbers/URM status. Why should we think any different about Cornell just because they ask for an essay?

I'm a little disappointed they didn't invite more people. We'll see if they put any of that new $25 million gift to good use.

I disagree wtih you on that point. Obviously it is a numbers game to an extent. That is likely how they determined who got invites to apply (just like many/most other T-14s). After that, however, you want to do what is best for your student body. That may mean giving it to the highest numbers, but it may mean that you rely on other factors that an essay or interview could bring to light.

[Rahviveh]

I don't think its cynical. Its widely agreed upon that the other T14 full rides are awarded based on numbers/URM status. Why should we think any different about Cornell just because they ask for an essay?

I'm a little disappointed they didn't invite more people. We'll see if they put any of that new $25 million gift to good use.

I disagree wtih you on that point. Obviously it is a numbers game to an extent. That is likely how they determined who got invites to apply (just like many/most other T-14s). After that, however, you want to do what is best for your student body. That may mean giving it to the highest numbers, but it may mean that you rely on other factors that an essay or interview could bring to light.

Lol.

We'll have to agree to disagree.

[helix23]

I could see it being a hybrid between both points of view.

The invites are probably entirely numbers based. After that, I am sure a number of the invites don't send in the essay (HYS bound). So they look at the numbers that did apply and then probably use the essay like a strong soft to decide. Just a thought.

If you look at the 2011-2012 applicants and who got the schollie ($144,000), the numbers are pretty high.

179 3.6
176 3.73
174 4
174 3.87
174 3.8
173 3.91
173 3.88

2010-2011 (I believe the $135,000)

176 3.9
176 3.5
174 3.86
172 3.95
172 3.82
172 3.77
172 3.93
172 3.88
171 3.72

[WhiteyCakes]

I wonder how that compares to the numbers of people who were invited to apply. Probably impossible to know that.

[helix23]

Yeah, or everyone who actually got it.

Check this guy out, he got the Super Dean Schollie:

juj122 N 168 3.8 $999,999

[helix23]

http://lawschoolnumbers.com/juj122

I'm glad he's doing his part to make sure averages on mylsn are off...

are is that just the GI bill kicking in..

[WhiteyCakes]

http://lawschoolnumbers.com/juj122

I'm glad he's doing his part to make sure averages on mylsn are off...

are is that just the GI bill kicking in..

haha even with him Georgetown is being stingy. Classic.

[TheThriller]

have of the t14 gave him dean's scholarships, it looks like they all pooled their money together

[Rahviveh]

Thanks Helix, good analysis.

[moonman157]

Sorry to ask this again, but I'm a bit unfamiliar with the timeline of the application and haven't been keeping up with these threads lol. My application initially went complete on 10/9 and was just updated to 10/30 but still says complete. What's the next step/how long until a decision, if anyone knows. Thanks!

[WhiteyCakes]

Sorry to ask this again, but I'm a bit unfamiliar with the timeline of the application and haven't been keeping up with these threads lol. My application initially went complete on 10/9 and was just updated to 10/30 but still says complete. What's the next step/how long until a decision, if anyone knows. Thanks!

The only guarantee is that they'll let you know before December since you're considered Early Action. Just keep checking your status checker.

[moonman157]

Sorry to ask this again, but I'm a bit unfamiliar with the timeline of the application and haven't been keeping up with these threads lol. My application initially went complete on 10/9 and was just updated to 10/30 but still says complete. What's the next step/how long until a decision, if anyone knows. Thanks!

The only guarante is that they'll let you know before December since you're considered Early Action. Just keep checking your status checker.

Ok, thanks! I'm sure you can all understand my anxiousness lol

[Gisney]

Submitted tonight!

[pacifica]

Sorry if someone else has already pointed this out (haven't been following this thread for a while), but I'm going to have to agree with ChampagnePapi's view. I mean, it does explicitly say in the letter/email, "Up to ten of these scholarships are awarded annually - based on academic merit." Whereas the clause mentioning the weight of the essay simply starts with "In order to be considered,"

helix23's datamining seems to bear this out too.

anyways, just thought I'd chime in with my two cents. Best of luck to everyone applying -- admissions and/or scholly!