How to Apply

Completing the application process involves choosing an application deadline and submitting the required materials before the established deadline. There are slight differences for first-year students and transfer students, and two additional steps for international students. We look forward to reading your application and essay, and are always available to answer questions at any point in the process. 

1. Submit the Pre-Application (optional but encouraged)

Submitting the pre-application lets us know that you consider yourself an applicant before submitting the required Common Application. This helps us keep in touch with you, tailor communication to your interests, and guide you through the process. Applicants who complete this form will not be required to submit the one-page Supplement to the Common Application.

2. Submit the Common Application and Supplement (required)

The required application for admission is the Common Application (www.commonapp.org) and all application materials, including the Cornell College Supplement, can be submitted via this online system. The application fee is waived for Early Action applicants and those who choose to apply online. 

Additional Information

To complete your application for admission you are required to submit the following materials.

First-year Students

1. Common Application with Essay
2. Cornell Supplement (submit with Common Application or Cornell Pre-Application)
3. Secondary School Report (email request via Common Application)
4. Transcript (all high school coursework to-date)
5. Test Scores (ACT or SAT; SAT IIs are optional)
6. Teacher Recommendations (email request via Common Application)

Transfer Students

1. Common Application with Essay
2. Cornell Supplement (submit with Common Application or Cornell Pre-Application)
3. Dean's Reference Form (click to open and print)
4. Transcript (College transcript required; high school transcript required with fewer than 24 college credits)
5. Teacher Recommendations are optional but encouraged (email request via Common Application)

International Students

International students follow the same application process as U.S. citizens, with two additional steps:

1. TOEFL, IELTS, or STEP score.
   
   Minimum TOEFL scores are: 79 (Internet), 213 (computer), 550 (paper). Recommended TOEFL scores are: 100 (Internet), 250 (computer), 600 (paper). The minimum IELTS score is 6.0; the recommended IELTS score is 7.0. The minimum STEP score is Grade Pre-1; the recommended STEP score is Grade 1. You may also wish to submit an SAT or ACT score to enhance your application and for scholarship consideration, but you are not required to do so.
   
   
2. Submit Financial Information
   
   In order to be considered at Cornell, you must complete the International Student Financial Aid Application, the International Student Certification of Finances, and provide supporting financial documents in U.S. dollars.