Cornell University is a private Ivy League research university in Ithaca, New York. Founded in 1865, it is New York State’s federal land-grant university and a private endowed university. In addition to its main campus in Ithaca, Cornell operates major campuses, programs, and research facilities in New York City, Qatar, and Geneva, New York, including Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City and Qatar, Cornell Tech in New York City, and Cornell AgriTech in Geneva.
The university offers a diverse range of academic programs and opportunities, including more than 4,000 courses, nearly 80 undergraduate majors, interdisciplinary programs, and dual-degree options. Cornell has eight undergraduate colleges and schools, along with graduate and professional programs.
Across its colleges and schools, Cornell offers programs in fields such as business, engineering, computing and information science, hotel administration, human ecology, industrial and labor relations, medicine, and veterinary medicine. Many programs also include interdisciplinary learning, dual-degree options, research opportunities, and study abroad programs for undergraduate and graduate students.
As one of the most sought-after Ivy League universities in the USA, Cornell attracts many prospective students. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to increase your chances of being selected!
Admissions Process at Cornell University
Getting into Cornell University can be daunting, and the college application process for undergraduate and graduate studies can be challenging for prospective students. To help students with this process, here’s a guide to the admissions process, including prerequisites, application procedures, and tips for getting accepted.
Step 1. Check the University’s Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for admission to an undergraduate program, applicants should review the requirements and recommendations for the specific Cornell college or school they plan to apply to. Cornell does not publish a universal minimum high school GPA or SAT/ACT cutoff for undergraduate admission. However, first-year applicants applying to enroll in fall 2026 and beyond must submit SAT or ACT scores. Graduate applicants must hold, at a minimum, a U.S. bachelor’s degree or an international equivalent before enrollment at Cornell; GPA and other academic requirements vary by graduate field.
International undergraduate applicants who cannot demonstrate English proficiency through citizenship, native language, or English-language secondary schooling must submit an approved English proficiency exam score. Graduate applicants must also meet Cornell’s graduate English proficiency requirement, usually through IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT unless exempt. Some programs may ask for additional materials, such as a writing sample, portfolio, resume, work experience in a related field, interview, GRE or GMAT score, or research proposal. For financial aid, U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens should follow Cornell’s FAFSA and CSS Profile instructions, while international undergraduate applicants who need aid must submit the CSS Profile by the admission deadline.
Step 2. Select a College or Program
Applicants must carefully research and choose the college or program that best fits their interests and goals. Undergraduate applicants apply to only one Cornell college or school and cannot change the college or school after submitting the Common Application. Graduate applicants should select their intended graduate field or professional program and review the field-specific requirements and deadlines. To make an informed decision about selecting a field of study that suits you, browse through the university’s fields of study and course catalogs.
Step 3. Submit an Application
Cornell accepts the Common Application for undergraduate students, which you can complete and submit here. When applying to Cornell University, undergraduate students can choose between Early Decision and Regular Decision. It is important to note that the Early Decision option is a binding agreement. However, students admitted under Early Decision may be eligible to be released from the agreement if the financial aid award does not make a Cornell education affordable for them and their families. The Early Decision application deadline is November 1, and the Regular Decision application deadline is January 2.
Prospective graduate students should create an ApplyWeb account and complete the application requirements for their intended graduate field. Graduate application timelines and requirements vary by field, so applicants should check their program’s official admissions page before applying.
There is a nonrefundable application fee of $85 for undergraduate students and $105 for graduate students. Fee waivers may be available for eligible applicants.
Step 4. Submit Supporting Materials
Candidates must prepare and submit the supporting materials required for the application process before the deadline. To apply, the following documents are required for undergraduate students:
- Cornell University Questions and Writing Supplement through the Common Application
- Official high school transcript submitted by a counselor, designated school official, online ordering system, or eTranscript service
- School Report submitted by a counselor or designated school official
- Counselor recommendation letter
- Two teacher evaluations
- Mid-year report or 12th-grade mid-year grades when available
- SAT or ACT scores for first-year applicants applying to enroll in fall 2026 and beyond
Additional materials may be required by the specific college, school, or major you are applying to, such as a portfolio, design submission, resume, video interview, or other supplemental material.
For graduate students, required documents vary by field. Common or field-specific materials may include:
It is important to check with the specific program and department to confirm the required documents and deadlines, as they may vary.
Step 5. Prepare for Possible Interviews
Interviews are not universal at Cornell. Some undergraduate programs require additional admissions materials; for example, architecture applicants must submit a required interview and portfolio. Some graduate fields and programs may also request an interview before offering admission. If your program requires an interview, prepare by researching the university and program, reviewing your academic goals, and thinking carefully about what you hope to gain from your Cornell experience.
Tips to Get Into Cornell University
With the right approach, you can strengthen your Cornell application by taking the following steps:
Tip 1. Start Early
Begin preparing for the admissions process well in advance. This will give you enough time to gather all the necessary materials and complete everything on time.
Tip 2. Show Your Interest
Use campus visits, virtual information sessions, and conversations with admissions representatives to learn more about Cornell and the college or school you are applying to. These activities can help you understand the program and write more specific essays, but they should not be treated as a guaranteed admissions advantage.
Step 3. Be Well-Rounded
The admissions committee wants to get to know you as a person, not just as a set of test scores and grades. Be authentic in your essays and let your personality shine through. Show your strengths and talents in a variety of areas, including extracurricular activities, community service, and work experience.
With a diverse range of programs, numerous research opportunities, and a highly selective admission process, Cornell University is a desirable destination for many students. Besides this institution, check out other top universities in the United States to increase your chances of being accepted into one of the most prestigious universities in the world.
We hope this article on the admissions process and tips for getting into Cornell University has been helpful. You may also visit our Open Courses for International Students and Guide to Studying in the USA for more information about different programs and scholarship opportunities!
