What can I do to stand out during the admissions process?
I just finished my junior year and was wondering what to do this summer that would really make me stand out during the admissions process. I currently have a paid internship at an architecture firm in ny, but I feel like that isn't enough to secure/gain a spot to get into the ivys (Cornell specifically).
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2 answers
Internships are a very good thing that shows your interest and experience in the field. However, it might take more unique activities to get you into an Ivy League. For example, tier 1 extracurriculars or tier 2 that shows your leadership skills. Another thing is, don't do things just for college, do something that interests you and make you stand out.
If I were applying to Cornell, I'd be working on my art portfolio. I'd be sharpening up my Revit and Sketchup skills and getting certified in those or Autocad. Unlike other types of schools, architecture school is more like an academic cult setting for 5 years. You do everything with your cohorts, eat, work, "charette", party, study. If you are applying to Cornell, they know you will not have that much extra time to do Cornell things. 99% of architecture students are not in student government or leadership, are not recruited athletes, are not working part-time jobs or running student organizations. So you have to pick and choose what your ECs are going to be when you apply. I would also be setting up a LinkedIn page with as many Cornellians as possible, it can't hurt.
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