Apply for Admission and Scholarships

Admission criteria

Each year our goal is to assemble a dynamic and diverse incoming class while paying attention to the merits of each individual applicant. We look for evidence of academic ability and preparedness, personal character, and meaningful extracurricular involvement. We will provide a thoughtful and holistic review of all your application materials, and your admission counselor is always available to answer your questions. When you apply to Cornell, you'll automatically be considered for merit scholarships.

Admission criteria by the numbers

If you have not completed a college-prep curriculum, we recommend your transcript reflects that you have:

4 years of English.
3 years of math (preferably two in algebra and one in geometry) OR Algebra II.
3 years of social science (history, government, economics, psychology, etc.).
3 years of science (preferably two lab science courses).
2 years of foreign language (preferred, but not required, in the same language).

Your admission counselor will consider your full application (all submitted materials) when making the final admission decision.

Real FAQs

Join our short (we promise!) webinars on real questions we’re hearing from real students. No hype. Only straightforward answers.

Here’s what to expect:
7:30-7:35: Introductions (and time to deal with any tech glitches and let people get logged in.)
7:35-7:45: We talk: answers to the questions we get about that session’s topic.
7:45-8:00: You talk: ask any question about your college search and we’ll give you answers.

Real FAQs: What does test optional really mean?
Oct. 22 @ 7:30 p.m.

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Real FAQs: Essays and writing sample tips
Oct. 29 @ 7:30 p.m.

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Real FAQs: How to make your extracurriculars count
Nov. 5 @ 7:30 p.m.

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What if you can't take the ACT or SAT? You can still apply.

Cornell is test-optional. You can use the Cornell Application or the Common Application to apply, be admitted, and get your financial aid award all without ACT or SAT scores.

We are currently accepting applications for the following terms: