Are you thinking about transferring to Cornell? You’re not alone, but you’re ambitious. Cornell, situated in Ithaca, New York, is one of the top schools in the Ivy League, and every year, thousands of students apply, hoping to make that leap. But just how hard is it to get in as a transfer student? In this blog, we will answer that very question; we will cover Cornell University’s transfer acceptance rate, transfer application deadline, and requirements related to GPA and ACT/SAT scores.
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Cornell University Transfer Acceptance Rate
In 2023, Cornell received 6,581 transfer applications. Of all the students who applied to transfer to Cornell University, only 834 were accepted, which means the overall acceptance rate was about 12.6%.
If you break it down by gender, the numbers tell an interesting story:
- Around 9.9% of male applicants got in.
- While about 16% of female applicants were accepted
But don’t let those statistics scare you. Acceptance rates fluctuate yearly, and there’s always more to the story than the statistics. Rather than worrying about ensuring your stats stack up, simply put together the best application possible; that’s what truly matters. We will delve into how to do that shortly.
Cornell Transfer Acceptance Rate: A Look Back
Here’s how the Cornell University transfer acceptance rate has changed over the past few years:
Year | Acceptance Rate |
2022 | 13.8% |
2021 | 15.7% |
2020 | 18% |
2019 | 13% |
As you can see, there’s been a bit of a rollercoaster. In some years, your odds will be slightly better. Other years, not so much. It depends on how many spots open up, how strong the applicant pool is, and what Cornell is looking for.
Cornell Transfer Deadline
Got your eye on transferring to Cornell? Timing is everything. Cornell does offer two transfer cycles, fall and spring. But here’s the catch: spring transfers aren’t always a sure thing. In a recent cycle, Cornell didn’t even accept spring applicants. So if you’re banking on that option, keep your ears open and double-check each year. We advise bookmarking the official Cornell page referring to transfer.
Here’s the usual breakdown:
- Fall transfer deadline: March 15
- Spring transfer deadline: October 15
If you aim for fall 2025, the March 15 deadline is your golden date. Don’t wait until the last minute to get your stuff together between transcripts, recommendations, and your statement; it can take time to pull everything together.
And what about spring? Just treat it as a maybe for now. Cornell sometimes puts spring transfers on pause depending on how complete the programs are. So your safest bet is to focus on fall unless they officially open that door again.
Cornell Transfer Application Requirements
Thinking about transferring to Cornell in 2025?
Let’s break it down in a simple way. Cornell isn’t just looking at your GPA and calling it a day; they want to know who you are. That means your background, goals, passion, and how well you’d fit into the program you’re applying to.
Here’s what you’ll need to get together:
A strong college GPA: Aim for at least a 3.5. The higher, the better.
The Common App for Transfer: This is your primary application platform.
Final high school transcript: They still want to see how you did in high school.
College transcripts: You’ll need to send official ones from every college you’ve attended.
College Report: This comes from your current school and gives Cornell a sense of your standing.
Midterm Report: Shows how you’re doing in your current semester.
One letter of recommendation: ideally from a professor who knows your work well.
A solid personal statement: This is your chance to tell your story—why Cornell, why now, and what you’re bringing to the table.
Extra Notes for Specific Colleges
Cornell has different departments under its umbrella, each with its own set of expectations. Here are a few examples:
- Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP): You’ll likely need a portfolio, an additional essay, and maybe even an interview.
- College of Human Ecology: Some applicants are asked to complete a design challenge.
- Biological Engineering majors: You should have a year of biology with lab, multivariable calculus, computer programming, and two writing courses already done or in progress.
Don’t Forget the Essays
Every transfer applicant must answer Cornell’s Academic Interest Essay, which asks:
We all contribute to and are influenced by the communities that are meaningful to us. Share how you’ve been shaped by one of the communities you belong to.
You’ve got 2,000 characters to answer this—so get real, get personal, and don’t overthink the word “community.” It could be anything from your family, school, or town to an online space or cultural background.
Bonus Essays by College:
- CALS (College of Agriculture and Life Sciences): You’ll write a 500-word essay on why you chose your major and how Cornell CALS fits into your goals.
- AAP (College of Architecture, Art, and Planning): Your essay can be up to 3,000 characters and should show how your creative passions align with the major you’re applying to—Architecture, Art, or Urban & Regional Studies.
Learn How to Start a College Essay: 9 Effective Techniques
Cornell Transfer GPA & SAT/ACT
Let’s talk numbers, because when it comes to transferring to Cornell, your GPA matters.
The bare minimum GPA to even be considered is 3.0. But let’s be real: that’s just the floor. If you’re aiming for one of the more competitive programs, like anything in Dyson, or majors like economics or biology in the College of Arts and Sciences, to have a real shot at transferring to Cornell, you’ll want at least a 3.5 GPA.
But if you aim to stand out from the crowd, try to push for a 3.75 or higher; that’s where most seriously competitive applicants are.
Don’t stress about SAT or ACT scores; Cornell doesn’t require them for transfer students, and they’re not expecting you to submit them either.
Basically, Cornell wants to see that you’re doing really well where you are now and that you’re ready to handle the academic pressure they’re known for. So the stronger your grades, the better your chances.
This doesn’t mean you’re out of the game if your GPA is a little lower, but you’ll need to bring something special to the rest of your application. That could be a powerful personal story, standout extracurriculars, or a unique academic path that aligns perfectly with your chosen major. For more information, follow this link: How to Apply: Transfer Applicants.
FAQ on Cornell University Transfer Acceptance Rate
Is it easier to get into Cornell as a transfer?
That is not necessarily true, but Cornell tends to accept more transfer students than most Ivy League schools, and it’s still very competitive. Each year, thousands of students apply for just a few hundred spots. That said, Cornell does have a strong transfer culture, especially within certain schools like the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences or the School of Industrial and Labor Relations. If your academic path aligns well with what they’re looking for, and your application is solid, you might have a decent shot. But “easier” is relative; it’s still Cornell.
What GPA do you need to transfer to Cornell?
You’ll need at least a 3.0 just to be considered, but that’s the bare minimum. Realistically, most successful applicants have at least a 3.5, and competitive programs—like Dyson, Econ, or Biology—often expect closer to a 3.75 or higher. If your GPA isn’t quite there, you’ll need to really shine in other parts of your application to make up for it.
Which Ivy League is easiest to transfer into?
Cornell is often considered the most transfer-friendly Ivy. It accepts the highest number of transfer students each year and has a bit more flexibility in its programs. But “easiest” doesn’t mean easy—it’s still an Ivy League school with high standards. Just know that if you’re looking for a solid shot at transferring into the Ivy League, Cornell might be your best bet.
