Janice Lozano
Cornell University is an Ivy League university with a competitive admissions process. The university looks for students with strong academic records, intellectual curiosity, and extracurricular achievements. They seek students who are driven, curious, and willing to make a difference in the world. The admissions committee evaluates applicants based on four main criteria: intellectual potential, character, involvement, and fit for Cornell. They want to see that applicants have the potential to thrive in a rigorous academic environment and align with Cornell's values. While there is no guaranteed formula for admission, a strong application includes outstanding grades, high test scores, and a well-written essay that showcases the applicant's unique voice, experiences, and values.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Intellectual potential | Curiosity, academic excellence, and a demonstrated passion for learning |
| Character | Honesty, initiative, open-mindedness, collaboration, and empathy |
| Involvement | Extracurricular activities, leadership, and a strong sense of purpose |
| Fit for Cornell | Commitment to the university, alignment with Cornell's values, and a clear understanding of the university's curriculum, academic areas, and educational approach |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Academic excellence
Cornell University is an Ivy League school that seeks to enrol the "best of the best". The university evaluates applicants across four areas: intellectual potential, character, involvement, and fit for Cornell.
Cornell University is committed to providing access to all qualified domestic undergraduate students, regardless of their income, assets, or family circumstances. The university strives to live up to its "any person" ethos. However, as an Ivy League school, Cornell is highly selective and seeks academically excellent students.
The university looks for students with outstanding academic records who can demonstrate the potential to thrive in its rigorous classroom environment. Students should be prepared to take on any intellectual challenge. To this end, applicants should have a strong sense of what they will study at Cornell and why Cornell is the best place to pursue that major.
For first-year applicants, Cornell requires 16 units, including 4 of English, 3 or 4 of mathematics (with pre-calculus), 3 of science, and 3 units of one foreign language. Calculus is required for certain majors. For transfers, applicants should review the required courses they should have completed or be in the process of completing at their current college by the time they apply to Cornell.
In addition to academic transcripts, applicants must submit the Common Application, which includes a personal statement, and the Cornell University Writing Supplement. The Writing Supplement includes essays that allow Cornell to assess the applicant's intellectual potential. For example, one of the prompts asks applicants to discuss their experiences, values, and story.
Cornell also considers applicants' standardised test scores, such as the SAT, and superscores, preferring applicants to be in the higher range of scores. However, for students applying for entry in Fall 2025, Cornell has a test-recommended and score-free policy. From Fall 2026 onwards, all applicants will be required to submit standardised test scores.
Universities with the Highest Student Enrolment
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Extracurricular activities
When it comes to extracurricular activities, Cornell is looking for students who have a strong sense of purpose and are passionate about their interests. Admissions officers want to see that applicants have taken advantage of the opportunities presented to them and have committed to a small number of clubs, teams, projects, and leadership roles. They want to see that students have developed a strong sense of what they want to study and why Cornell is the best place to pursue that major.
For example, if a student's high school only offered AP Calculus AB and AP US History, Cornell would expect them to take both of those classes and as many honors classes as possible. The university would also be impressed by a student who took a summer course in chemistry at a community college or participated in a summer program at another academic institution.
In addition to demonstrating intellectual curiosity and a strong sense of purpose, extracurricular activities can also help admissions officers see how a student might get involved on campus and stay involved in their passions after graduation. Cornell wants to admit students who will make a difference in the world and contribute to the vibrant community that the university fosters.
Overall, when it comes to extracurricular activities, Cornell University is looking for students who are passionate, driven, and willing to take initiative. Applicants should demonstrate how they have taken advantage of opportunities and how their experiences have shaped their sense of purpose and intellectual curiosity.
UNM Dental Student Services: Affordable Dental Work
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Personal attributes
Cornell University is an incredibly competitive school, with an acceptance rate of 8.7%. The university is looking for students who are driven, intellectually curious, and willing to put themselves out in the world to make a difference.
Cornell University is not just admitting students; they are admitting community members. The university looks for students who embody their institutional values. These values include honesty, initiative, open-mindedness, collaboration, empathy, and curiosity.
The university also seeks students who are willing to get involved on campus and stay involved in their passions after they graduate. This means that applicants should demonstrate a strong sense of purpose, as well as intellectual curiosity and extracurricular passions.
When writing your application essays, it is important to reflect on your personal attributes and how they align with Cornell's values. Be authentic and share your experiences, values, and story. This is your opportunity to showcase your unique qualities and how you will engage with the Cornell community.
Additionally, Cornell looks for students who have a strong sense of what they will study and why Cornell is the best place to pursue that major. They want to see that you have taken advantage of all the opportunities presented to you in high school, including honours classes, extracurricular activities, and leadership roles.
Overall, Cornell University seeks well-rounded individuals who embody their values and are driven to make a positive impact in the world.
Jewish Students at University of Virginia: How Many?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
English language proficiency
Cornell University requires all applicants to submit standardised test scores for enrolment from 2026 onwards. International students applying to Cornell University need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirement.
There are three ways to demonstrate English Language Proficiency:
- Submit Scores: Provide official IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT test scores that meet the Graduate School's minimum requirements.
- Exemption: Applicants who are citizens or permanent residents of countries where English is an official language (e.g., Ghana, Hong Kong, India, Nigeria, and Pakistan) are exempt from submitting IELTS or TOEFL scores.
- English Language Assessment: Applicants admitted to research degrees may need to complete the English Language Assessment before becoming a Teaching Assistant (TA).
For undergraduate admissions, international applicants are welcome to submit unofficial test scores. However, if admitted, they will be asked to submit official test scores sent from the testing agency.
In the Cornell Writing Supplement portion of the Common Application, applicants are asked to write essays for Cornell and their intended college or school. While there is no particular requirement for the content of these essays, applicants are encouraged to share their experiences, values, and stories authentically. It is important to note that the use of unethical application support, such as generative AI, friends, or paid consultants, to outline or write essays is discouraged.
Caldwell University Students Intern Across the Globe
You may want to see also
Commitment to the university
Commitment to Cornell University is a key aspect of a student's application. The university looks for students who are driven, intellectually curious, and willing to put themselves out in the world to make a difference. Students who apply early to Cornell University are often well-prepared academically and have a strong sense of what they will study at the university. They are also enthusiastic about committing to the university if accepted.
Cornell University seeks students who have a strong sense of purpose and are passionate about their chosen field of study. The university wants to ensure that applicants have a sense of what they might do once they arrive at the university. This sense of purpose can be demonstrated through intellectual curiosity and extracurricular passions. Students should showcase their passion by committing to a small number of clubs, teams, projects, and leadership roles.
In addition, Cornell University values students who are willing to take advantage of all the opportunities presented to them. For example, applicants should showcase that they have taken advantage of all the academic opportunities available to them in high school, such as taking advanced classes and participating in summer programs or courses at other institutions.
Cornell University also prioritizes community and seeks students who will actively contribute to the university community. The university's values, such as honesty and initiative, are important considerations during the admissions process. Applicants should demonstrate that they embody these values and will be positive additions to the Cornell community.
Overall, demonstrating a strong commitment to Cornell University involves showcasing a sense of purpose, intellectual curiosity, extracurricular involvement, and alignment with the university's values and community.
Student Loans: A University Education's Cost
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Cornell University is committed to providing access to all qualified domestic undergraduate students, regardless of income, assets, or family circumstances. The university is looking for students who are driven, intellectually curious, and willing to put themselves out in the world to make a difference. The admissions process is based on four areas: intellectual potential, character, involvement, and fit for Cornell.
Cornell University wants to see that you have the potential to thrive in its rigorous classroom environment. The university recommends that applicants review the basic academic requirements and the required courses that should be completed before applying. The general recommendation is 16 units, including 4 of English, 3-4 of mathematics (with pre-calculus), 3 of science, and 3 units of one foreign language.
The application process includes the Common Application and the Cornell University Writing Supplement, which is also completed through the Common App. The Writing Supplement includes essays for Cornell broadly and your intended college or school specifically. The Common App also requires you to input your personal information, submit your extracurricular activities, and write a personal statement. Additionally, you may be required to submit portfolios or design supplements for certain majors.
Cornell University has a test-optional policy, so you don't need to include test scores in your application unless you want to. However, starting in fall 2026, all applicants will be required to submit standardized test scores. International students need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirement.
