How to Get into Cornell: Bateel's Journey into Pre-med

Thinking about applying to top-tier universities like Cornell, UC Berkeley, or USC? For many high-achieving high school students, the dream can feel out of reach, clouded by self-doubt and the fierce competition of the application process. We sat down with Bateel, an accomplished student from the Bay Area who is starting at Cornell University this fall, to discuss how she navigated this challenging journey and secured acceptances to multiple top schools, including UC Berkeley and USC.

The Big Decision: Why Cornell?

When faced with acceptances from Cornell, UC Berkeley, and USC, Bateel's choice was driven by a deep understanding of her academic goals and a strategic look at each school's offerings. As an aspiring pre-med student, she knew that the right undergraduate experience was critical for her future career in biology.

Her final decision came down to Cornell and UC Berkeley. Bateel chose Cornell for its more individualized teaching, a key factor for pre-med classes that can be "cutthroat" at larger public schools like UC Berkeley. She also prioritized research opportunities. Cornell's proximity to medical schools was a significant advantage, as UC Berkeley doesn't have its own medical school, which would have limited her research options.

Overcoming Doubt: The Mental Game of Admissions

Despite her impressive results, Bateel admitted to being an "anxious person" who was far from confident about her chances. She thought getting into a school like UC Berkeley was "achievable" but not a certainty, and she "had no idea" that an Ivy League school like Cornell would be an option for her.

So, how did she manage the stress and self-doubt? Bateel’s advice is both simple and profound: "Just relax". While she emphasizes that putting in the work is essential, she also learned that once you have genuinely invested your heart and soul into the process, you have to trust that everything will work out. "At some point there's only so much you can do," she reflects.

The Secret to Success: A "Meticulous" and Proactive Approach

When asked to describe her application process in one word, Bateel chose "meticulous". This approach, she believes, was the key to her success. From her freshman year, she was proactive about building a strong foundation, researching clubs and extracurriculars, and maintaining good grades.

Her preparation for essays and applications was particularly strategic:

• Early Start: She began planning her applications and drafting her main Common App essay right after her junior year ended, giving her ample time to revise.
• Embracing Revisions: Bateel’s first draft was completely scrapped. She believes that having the space to throw out her initial work was crucial, and she made countless revisions to her essays.
• Connecting the Dots: Her winning essays showcased her personal identity by connecting her extracurricular activities with her cultural background and career goals. For her main essay, she wrote about a volunteer experience at a health clinic abroad in her home country, beautifully tying together her interest in pre-med with her cultural identity.

Lessons for a Lifetime: Patience and Planning

Bateel credits the application process with teaching her skills that will serve her well beyond college. She learned to be patient and trust that ideas would come, rather than rushing her writing. She also developed a talent for planning ahead, meticulously scheduling things like SAT/ACT prep and school research. This systematic approach helped her feel "really laid back" and less stressed during the summer before her senior year, a time when many of her peers felt rushed.

The Worthwhile Journey

Looking back, Bateel feels her journey was "all worth it". Every late night of studying and writing contributed to her success, and she has no regrets. She is "so happy" to be going to Cornell and believes she is in the right place to achieve her goals. Her story is a testament to the idea that a meticulous and proactive approach, combined with the courage to overcome self-doubt, can lead to incredible results.

‍