With a few pandemic-related exceptions, all successful applicants to Cornell University have an “A” average in a demanding high school curriculum, exceptional SAT/ACT scores, and a track record of success in (typically) two or more extracurricular activities. However, these attributes are necessary but often not sufficient, as Cornell rejects 93% of the homogeneous horde of high-achieving candidates who apply each year We will look at the following in addition to the most recent acceptance rate for Cornell University:
The purpose of this article is to thoroughly explain the following subjects to those who are thinking about applying to Cornell University:
The History of Cornell University
The only Ivy League institution founded after the American Revolution, Cornell University was founded in 1865 by Ezra Cornell and Andrew Dickson White.
Senator Ezra Cornell favored establishing a facility for learning where “anyone can find instruction in any study.” ”.
In order to carry out these ideals, he committed his farm in Ithaca, New York, as well as $500,000 of his personal wealth to doing so alongside Senator Andrew Dickson White, who later became the first president of Cornell University.
Although the school was established in 1865, it did not formally open and begin accepting students until 1868, and the first class was made up of only 412 men.
Since its humble beginnings, Cornell has advanced significantly, now enrolling over 15,000 undergraduates from a variety of geographic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.
Cornell has a number of undergraduate institutions that applicants may want to take into account:
With pre-professional programs like the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business and School of Industrial and Labor Relations (ILR) that are renowned for producing leaders and innovators in their respective fields, Cornell stands out from most undergraduate universities. Since Cornell University offers a multifaceted education that includes specialized fields like agriculture and human ecology, students can study almost any subject there.
Fun Facts About Cornell University
Cornell is a “public” university. Everyone is aware that Ivy League universities are private, for-profit organizations that are primarily supported by tuition, endowments, and donations; however, Cornell is a small exception because the majority of its schools are funded by the state.
Cornell has the only agricultural school in the Ivy League.
In the 1950s, Cornell Professor Robert C. Baker invented the chicken nugget. Baker and his peers at the time called this dish “Chicken Crispie.” You can thank this Cornell talent for coming up with the well-known and delicious American snack that is chicken nuggets.
The infamous Wilder Brain is one of Cornell’s most macabre yet intriguing treasures. Burt Green Wilder, an anatomy professor, assembled this collection in the late 19th century to gain a better understanding of human psychology and potential.
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Being the largest university in the Ivy League, Cornell has a sizable alumni network of top talent that is constantly growing.
Former Cornell alumni include:
- Ruth Bader Ginsburg
- Martin Ginsburg
- Bill Nye
- Anthony Fauci
- Chuck Feeney
- Henry Heimlich (inventor of the Heimlich maneuver)
Cornell or Harvard?
Did you know that Ruth Bader Ginsburg graduated from Cornell with a bachelor’s degree and then enrolled at Harvard as one of only nine women in a class of roughly 500 men?
Although the requirements for admission were very different then, the article How To Get Into Harvard will show you what it takes to get into Harvard today.
Cornell University Requirements – What Kind of Student’s Get Accepted To Cornell
A college of Cornell’s caliber has a rigorous admissions procedure that considers every aspect of an applicant before making a decision.
Students with exceptional “intellectual potential,” admirable “character and conduct,” significant “involvement” in their fields of interest, and compatibility or “fit” with Cornell’s culture and philosophy are particularly sought after by the university.
Now, you might be wondering, what precisely qualifies as “intellectual potential” or “fit”? To address your inquiries, we will delve into the details, discussing everything you should do and, in some cases, not do.
4 Types of Students Cornell Admissions Prefer
The level of rigor and difficulty of the coursework is one of the most important aspects of the Cornell application. Countless students earn high GPAs in their high schools. Since most students have nearly identical grades and classes, AP courses and standardized exams like the SAT and ACT separate the “best” students from the general overachievers. Tests like the AP and SAT/ACT are also a better way to gauge a student’s intellectual capacity because grade inflation and unequal teaching resources make it difficult to tell if one student’s 4 0 is worth the same as that of another student.
Students are encouraged to enroll in local community college courses to show their ardent passion for learning, in addition to taking Advanced Placement classes and performing well on the SAT/ACT. It goes without saying that these college courses should relate to the student’s intended field of study so that admissions officers can create a consistent impression of the applicant. Pamela Tan, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ director of admissions, stated that “if you’re applying to biological engineering, then you need to have very robust… coursework in math and science.” You won’t be able to handle the work here if you don’t, according to The Cornell Daily Sun.
Academically challenging oneself is definitely advised because Cornell wants to make sure the applicant is capable of handling the coursework and job requirements at a prestigious university like Cornell once on campus.
Character Is Also Important
Cornell is looking for students with exceptional character who will go on to accomplish great things or who will genuinely care about and try to help those around them. The essays and recommendation letters offer students one of the greatest chances to highlight their virtues and abilities.
As a result, students should make sure to get recommendations from teachers who can give them specific feedback. Students should concentrate on communicating their best qualities in their essays while being genuine. Many students make the mistake of boasting about their achievements, which turns off those who are reviewing their applications.
Conversely, students should exercise caution when discussing their shortcomings. If you want to discuss a difficulty or flaw, you must tell a story about how you overcame the issue, not how you battled it. Consider the following as you review your supplemental essays and personal statement:
- Is the person in the essay someone I admire?
- Is the character in the essay someone I would want to hang out with?
You will be one step closer to becoming a Cornellian if you respond in the affirmative.
Involvement is a Key Factor to Cornell Admissions
Cornell looks for applicants who are active in their communities or fields of interest, whether through extracurricular activities, volunteer work, employment, or leadership. Common examples of extracurricular activities include playing an instrument or participating in sports.
However, given the prevalence of such activities, we advise students to make an effort to set themselves apart from their peers by receiving local or national recognition.
In order to stand out from the tens of thousands of applicants, it may also be more advantageous for students to engage in more distinctive and meaningful extracurricular activities, such as starting their own business or building sizable social media followings devoted to educating or empowering others.
Don Saleh, a former dean of admissions and financial aid at Cornell, said this:
Admissions officers can always tell if students are acting in a particular way just to enhance their applications. For instance, if everyone volunteers at the same hospital or library, or if it has nothing to do with your academic interests, 100 hours of service is not particularly impressive. Students must find the right mix of extracurricular activities to participate in that they enjoy and can show commitment to.
Lastly, Cornell Admissions Wants to Make Sure You’re a Good Fit with Cornell
The application’s most elusive and frequently disregarded component is the student’s fit with Cornell.
The admissions officers at Cornell look for students who have “Cornell potential” rather than just any student. ” .
What does that exactly entail?
In other words, the best candidates are those who appear to fit in and be a part of the Cornell community. Even the most outstanding applicant who has followed all instructions may be turned down by Cornell for a lack of “fit ”.
The school-specific Cornell supplemental essay is the best way for students to demonstrate their compatibility with Cornell University. In this essay, students discuss why they chose their academic interests and how they will use Cornell’s resources and education to achieve their goals.
Later on in this article, we’ll go over how to write a stellar Cornell supplemental essay.
Is Cornell Right for Me?
As a premier university, Cornell provides a quality education on par with that of the majority of other institutions at its level. The following characteristics distinguish Cornell from other colleges: setting, size, focus on professional development, and campus culture.
One of the bigger campuses in the Ivy League is Cornell University, which is located on 745 rural acres in Ithaca, New York. especially when taking into account the additional 4,300 acres that make up the Cornell Botanic Gardens.
Cornell University also has satellite medical campuses in New York City and Education City, Qatar, in addition to its Ithaca campus.
Where Is Cornell University?
The main campus of Cornell University is located at 600 Thurston Avenue in Ithaca, New York 14850.
Cornell University’s historic buildings are located in Ithaca, New York, in the middle of the city’s woodlands. Despite being known as being in New York, the university is actually situated in the country, surrounded by trees for miles. Due to the lack of nearby amenities, this location can be both a blessing and a curse for students as it allows them to form a more cohesive community but limits their access to internships and other opportunities.
With approximately 15,000 undergraduates, Cornell is the largest Ivy League institution in terms of size.
The benefits of a larger university include a wide variety of student organizations and a large alumni network, but the drawbacks are that there is more competition for things like research opportunities and that TAs rather than professors are frequently used to teach classes.
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Take a Cornell University Virtual Tour
If you intend to study at the school, your desired field of study should align with the offerings found in the selection of Cornell University majors. Cornell University offers undergraduates almost 80 formal fields to major in with an additional 122 fields to select as minors.
Because it offers a wide range of majors and studies not found in many undergraduate colleges, Cornell’s education manages to be both exceptional and unmatched.
For instance, it offers a concentration in hotel administration and management that is unique among Ivy League institutions. There are also professional majors like business and architecture available; the University of Pennsylvania is the only other Ivy League institution with a comparable professional focus.
Campus life at Cornell is quite balanced, with students doing their best to balance academic success and social activities. Greek life is also a big part of the Cornell social life as about 30% of men and women participate, but students can get involved in other ways such as intramural sports or clubs run by students
Cornell University might be the right fit for you if what we’ve covered so far sounds appealing.
Cornell University Acceptance Rate
That’s a slight decrease from the 10. 85% acceptance rate from the year before. The acceptance rate at Cornell University has generally been declining over time. The Cornell early decision acceptance rate is about 24%, meaning students can benefit from applying early decision
According to Cornell statistics, the Class of 2024:
- Cornell Early Decision Acceptance Rate is 24% %E2%80%94 6,630 students applied Early Decision, of which 1,594 were admitted
- 3,920 of the 44,870 applicants who submitted Regular Decision applications were accepted (8 7% acceptance rate).
- 51,500 total applicants, 5,514 admissions (excluding waitlist students who resulted in an additional 190 admissions)
Cornell Acceptance Rate by College
While the acceptance rate for Cornell is 10. 7% as a whole, this percentage differs widely depending on the type of school or department that the student is applying to
For instance:
- The Hotel School in the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business is the least competitive with an acceptance rate of 30%
- The School of Human Ecology has a 23 % acceptance rate, the second-highest acceptance rate of all the schools at Cornell
Cornell University GPA Requirements
The average GPA of Cornell’s incoming class is not disclosed publicly, but of the 22 4% of the enrolling class of 2024 who submitted their class rank, 83 7% of them were in the top ten percent of their graduating class
Cornell University SAT Scores
The majority of Cornell students received SAT scores between 1410 and 1530. For the class of 2024, 72. 6% of enrolling students submitted SAT scores.
| SAT Reading & Writing | Applicants | Admits | Enrolled † |
|---|---|---|---|
| 750 ‐ 800 | 25% | 40% | 32% |
| 700 – 740 | 32% | 36% | 38% |
| 650 – 690 | 22% | 16% | 19% |
| 600 – 640 | 12% | 7% | 9% |
| 550 – 590 | 6% | 1% | 2% |
| 550 – 540 | 3% | 0.3% | 0.5% |
| Below 500 | 1% | 0% | 0% |
| SAT Math | Applicants | Admits | Enrolled |
|---|---|---|---|
| 750 ‐ 800 | 58% | 69% | 65% |
| 700 – 740 | 17% | 17% | 18% |
| 650 – 690 | 12% | 9% | 10% |
| 600 – 640 | 7% | 4% | 5% |
| 550 – 590 | 4% | 1% | 2% |
| 550 – 540 | 2% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Below 500 | 0% | 0% | 0% |
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Cornell University ACT Scores
The majority of Cornell students received ACT scores between 32 and 35.
For the class of 2024, 35. 8% of enrolling students submitted ACT scores.
| 25th Percentile | 50th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| 32 | 34 | 35 |
Cornell has suspended the SAT/ACT test requirement for applicants in the classes of 2022, 2023, and 2024 due to COVID-19.
It is crucial to understand that Cornell does not anticipate the test-optional policy to be indefinite. It is in the student’s best interest to submit SAT/ACT scores despite the test-optional policy at a time when applicants to selective colleges like Cornell are applying in record numbers.
In the brief amount of time that they spend reviewing each applicant’s application, Cornell undoubtedly looks for academic excellence, which is something that SAT/ACT scores can show admissions officers.
The majority of Cornell’s undergraduate class for the 2024 enrollment is White (32 5%) and Asian (22. 4%).
Under-represented minority students who identify as Hispanic, American Indian, Black, or Hawaiian/Pacific Islander may have a slight advantage given Cornell’s long-standing commitment to diversity and the fact that the accepted class of 2023 was the most diverse Cornell has ever had.
Due to the fact that there are 14 legacy and first-generation college students, they have an advantage over the competition. 8% and 15. 5% of the enrolling class of 2024, respectively.
Cornell Class of 2024 Ethnicity and Race
U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residents, and Refugees –
- Hispanic: 16.2%
- American Indian: 0.2%
- Asian: 22.4%
- Black: 8.0%
- Hawaiian/Pacific Isle: 0.1%
- White: 32.5%
International, of any ethnicity and race – 9.3%
Areas Where Cornell Students Are From
Most entering Cornell students are from the Northeast, West Coast, and international countries. Therefore, students from areas with smaller populations such as the Midwest and Southern states may have slightly better chances for admission as many private schools value geographic diversity.
Cornell Class of 2024 Geographic Diversity
- New York: 33.6%
- Mid‐Atlantic: 17.6%
- West: 11.6%
- New England: 9.7%
- International: 10.2%
- Midwest: 6.4%
- Southeast: 6.2%
- Southwest: 4.8%
How to Get an Edge at Cornell University Admissions
The best chance for students to get into Cornell University is through the early decision process, which has a much more generous acceptance rate of 24% compared to the regular decision acceptance rate of 8 7%. Cornell statistics for the class of 2024 has shown that almost 30% of the entering class was chosen through early decision
While there are benefits to applying early, there are also drawbacks.
For instance, early decision is mandatory, so students who are accepted must leave. Students should be sure that Cornell is their top choice before applying early and be ready to withdraw their applications from other colleges if they are accepted. Applying early has the additional disadvantage of giving you less time to improve and enhance your application. Some students might prefer to apply regular decision if they want to retake the SAT or ACT or raise their GPA their senior year.
The significantly different acceptance rates between schools and departments is one of the biggest admissions process’s kept secrets for institutions like Cornell. Students applying to the Hotel School in the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business or the School of Human Ecology have a better shot than other students with the acceptance rates of those schools being 30% and 23%, respectively
The Charles H. Smith School of Engineering at Cornell University and the Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management (8%) and the College of Arts and Sciences (8 8%). Students can reevaluate their decision to apply to a particular department after reviewing this data.
To get into Cornell University, students should exercise caution when applying to less selective majors or institutions. To ensure that students are not trapped in an unfavorable major, one should research the university’s policy on major transfers. Additionally, admissions officers might wonder why a student applying to the School of Human Ecology is clearly interested in business. Applicants may want to spend a lot of time revising their essays to effectively persuade admissions officers of the choice or shift.
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Putting It All Together
According to statistics, students who apply early decision or to an underrepresented department like the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business’s Hotel School have a much better chance of being accepted. To have a fair chance at Cornell University, there are many other requirements, including the SAT/ACT, GPA, essays, and recommendation letters.
Cornell Supplemental Essay Prompts
The Cornell writing supplement is one of the best ways for applicants to stand out and show that they are interested in attending Cornell out of the entire application.
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Essay Prompt
Please explain why you chose the major you did and how your interests and related experiences influenced your decision. How specifically will a degree from Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) assist you in achieving your academic objectives?
College of Architecture, Art, and Planning Essay Prompt
Everyone has different passions, obsessions, quirks, and inspirations. What do you find energizing or deeply engages you to the point where you lose track of time? What are yours?.
College of Arts and Sciences Essay Prompt
Students in the arts and sciences seize the chance to explore a variety of academic interests, emulating Ezra Cornell’s founding principle of “any person…any study” in the twenty-first century. Tell us about the academic fields you are eager to explore and why you want to study them at our college.
Cornell SC Johnson College of Business Essay Prompt
The Charles H. Johnson College of Business at Cornell University offers two distinct business programs, the Charles H. The School of Hotel Administration and the Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management Please explain how one or both of the College’s Schools can support your interests and aspirations.
College of Engineering Essay Prompt
Tell us about the aspects of Cornell Engineering and/or engineering studies at Cornell University that most excite you. How do you envision integrating yourself into the Cornell Engineering community?
College of Human Ecology Essay Prompt
How have your related experiences affected your decision to apply to the College of Human Ecology? How will your major choice affect your future plans and goals?
School of Industrial and Labor Relations Essay Prompt
Describe the subjects or issues you care about and why they are important to you using examples from your personal, academic, or volunteer experiences. Your response must demonstrate to us that you share the interests of the ILR School.
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How To Write A Cornell Supplemental Essays
The Cornell supplemental essays are a more detailed version of the question “why this college,” which is frequently posed to students. Though the essay questions for each Cornell department vary slightly, they all essentially ask why you chose that major and how Cornell can help you achieve your goals.
Students can reflect on an experience or mental shift that led them to pursue their academic field of interest in order to respond to this question. For instance, your interest in chemistry was sparked by your hobby of baking and the chemical reactions it involved.
A different way to respond would be to provide examples of your own professional or personal projects that are connected to your major.
Ideally, you want to demonstrate both your potential and genuine interest in this field. Students should also be reminded to explain precisely why and how Cornell is required. Perhaps you want to work on a research project with a specific Cornell professor or you want to benefit from opportunities that are specific to Cornell, like the Shoals Marine Laboratory. You must demonstrate that you have done your research on Cornell and explain why you would be a valuable addition to the school in any case.
The Road to Cornell
Your Cornell application, which highlights your skills and character, is ultimately the result of all the work you’ve done throughout your four years of high school. Every applicant submits their best self, so in order to stand out, you must go above and beyond by getting organized early on and fine-tuning your application repeatedly.
Simply put, a Cornell student is not born overnight. To submit a successful application, you must complete the majority, if not all, of the steps we’ve covered. Check out our other resources on the college admissions process for additional direction and assistance.
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Cornell University Undergraduate Admissions Info Session Part 3: Admission, Financial Aid, Outcomes
FAQ
How hard is it to get into Cornell ILR?
The regular acceptance rate for Cornell is 8. 7%. Given the low acceptance rate, it might be worthwhile to apply to Cornell Early Decision in order to increase your chances of being accepted.
Is Cornell ILR easier to get into?
Cornell University has the highest acceptance rate of any Ivy League institution, giving rise to the perception that admission there is “easy.” However, nothing could be farther from the truth. The entrance requirements for Cornell University have proven to be very difficult.
How many undergrads are at ILR Cornell?
Is Cornell Hotel Management acceptance rate?
Cornell University School of Hotel Administration is the least competitive school out of the entire Cornell University, with their acceptance rate being around 30%