How To Get Into Cornell: Admission Requirements, Strategies & Tips 2025

Are you worried about getting into Cornell University? You have landed on the correct spot to find out the admission requirements, application deadline, and acceptance rate at Cornell University. Cornell University is one of the top-notch colleges in the world; its esteemed reputation attracts students from various backgrounds and fields. If you are one of those, stick with us and bear in mind the following admission requirements and everything you need to know about Cornell to get into Cornell University. If you are further interested in getting qualified guidance, get in touch with us and avail yourself of the best career guidance, Cornell University, your admission procedure details, and everything at Rostrum.

Why study at Cornell University?

Cornell!, situated in Ithaca, New York, is home to 24,027 students, including 15,043 undergraduates, 6,284 graduate students, and 2,700 professional students. It is spread across 2000 acres with 608 buildings. The scenic beauty of the campus and the city are attractions that entice students to Cornell.

Academically, it is ranked at 12 in U.S. News & World Report’s 2020 Best Colleges and Universities rankings; Forbes: 1; Niche: 22; and Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education: 13.

The diversity in academics is reflected in the eight colleges under Cornell and the around 4000 courses that this college offers students. It serves with the motto “I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study” and lives up to it. The academic programs range from the renowned College of Arts and Sciences, Musicology Department to the esteemed School of Hotel Administration. You will get a wide range of courses, and you must choose the colleges while applying to Cornell, let’s say to the Cornell College of Engineering or Cornell College of Arts, not in general to Cornell University. You can get the vibrant facets of people, professors, courses and peers here.

It has a very reputed alumna list, including Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Dr. Mae Jemison, Christopher Reeve, E.B. White, and Bill Nye and many awardees, Pulitzer winners, TV stars and Supreme Court justices came from this mind boggling place. Finally, coming to the future prospects, many graduates from Cornell led start-up companies, ruled the literature world with the Fulbright scholarship, worked on Wall Street, and many others. 

How Hard Is it to Get into Cornell University?

It is very hard to get into Cornell, as Cornell is a highly competitive and selective school in terms of the number of students it takes in an academic year. Given the acceptance rate of 7.3%, Cornell is a highly competitive school. To get into a high-profile Ivy League, one has to be very dedicated to the field they will be pursuing and also should excel in their college or school level, with outstanding GPAs. 

Cornell Admissions Requirements

Cornell’s academic requirements depict the selective nature of the institution in the Ivy League status; it looks for students with a wide range of extracurriculars and leadership traits that boost the profile of the campus and bring diversity to the campus. Admission officers don’t just look at the grade sheet or official transcripts; they seek more from you in the form of essays and. Especially your CV should speak for the person you are and how much commitment and passion you have for the field that you are choosing or towards your career goals.

Before delving into the academic requirements, let’s look at the different branches or colleges at Cornell.

• College of Arts & Sciences: 4 units of English, 3 of mathematics, 3 of science, and 3 of one foreign language.
• College of Engineering: 1 unit of chemistry, 1 of physics, and 4 of mathematics (2 of algebra + 1 of geometry + 1 of calculus)
• College of Agriculture and Life Science: 4 units of English, 4 of mathematics, and 4 of science (including 1 of biology, 1 of chemistry and/or physics, both recommended)
• College of Human Ecology: 4 units of English, 4 of mathematics (calculus is strongly recommended), and 4 of science (Including 1 of biology, 1 of chemistry and/or physics, and additional core sciences such as advanced biology)

Now, the admission requirements-

You have to apply through the Common Application for Cornell University, and it should attach the following documents:

• Common App Essay
• Cornell supplemental essays
• Standard Test Scores- As many institutions have gone with a test-optional during the Covid phase, even Cornell opted for a Test-Optional policy during the 2024–2025 application cycle. However, for the fall 2026 cycle, you must submit the test scores, and some specific colleges still kept it optional; it is advisable to check the specific college website and proceed accordingly with your tests.
• 2 teacher letters of recommendation
• 1 counsellor recommendation (from the school college or guidance counsellor)
• Official Transcripts

If you need guidance in your admission procedure, connect with us and make your admission process easier and smoother with our experienced counsellors. 

What is the Acceptance Rate of Cornell University?

In 2022-23, out of  71,164  applications, Cornell has accepted only 5,168 students; this makes it a highly selective and competitive institution with a 7.3% acceptance rate. This is a general trend in the admission. However, it is difficult to discern the data for early decisions and regular applications as the University doesn’t release any data about it. From the previous year’s trends, it can be presumed that the acceptance rate is slightly better for the early decision applicants than for the regular applicants. In the 2022-2023 admission cycle, 1670 students were admitted through the early decision compared to 3,324 regular admission students. 

The acceptance rate for transfer students is 13.9%, as it took 798 students out of 5,761 applications. 

GPA Requirements to get into Cornell

Given the low acceptance rate of Cornell, the GPA requirements need to be above average. The generally recommended GPA for Cornell is 3.8 to 4.0. This high range of GPA will place you in the top quarter of the applications. If, by chance, you have a low GPA and currently studying, you need to work harder and compensate for the GPA in the coming semesters or your school examinations. Otherwise, you need to perform well on the standard tests to balance out the average GPA in your application. If you could not perform well in the school or college exams due to financial hardships or any issues, you could mention them in the additional information form provided by the university. 

SAT and ACT Requirements to get into Cornell

You need a composite score of 1470 to 1550, combining all three sections of reading, writing and math on the SAT, to get into the top list of the admission committee at Cornell. It may not be a sole criterion, but it reflects on your intellect and is a legitimate document for your knowledge. 

Suppose your SAT is lower than suggested; if you have time, you can reconsider taking another exam or compensate them with your GPA, extracurriculars, and essays. 

Even though Cornell has gone for a Test-Optional policy, submitting them with your documents is always advisable if you can take the exam and score healthy marks. It’s up to you whether to submit your scores or not. 

Cornell Average SAT Composite Score: 1510

ACT Requirements

To be considered for admission to this school, applicants should have an ACT score of between 33 and 35. If you have less than this, you must make up the difference by having an above-average GPA or a substitute SAT score. 

Application Deadline for Cornell University in 2025

Cornell offers students the choice of admission process in two ways: one is the general or regular application, and the other is the early decision application. The early decision application suits students who are ready with their high SAT or ACT scores and very sure about the course and the University that they want to join; in this case, If the student has decided to go for Cornell, it is better to go through the early admission deadlines. If you are still a student in your college or considering other universities, go through the regular admission cycle. The early decision program at Cornell is a binding commitment from students if they are admitted to Cornell to withdraw their applications from other universities.

The deadlines for the early decision program:

• November 1 – All application materials must be submitted
• Mid-December – Admissions decisions and financial aid awards are released

If you plan to apply by regular decision, the following deadlines will apply:

• January 2 – All application materials must be submitted
• Early April – Admissions decisions and financial aid awards announced
• May 1 – Deadline to respond to an admissions offer

You should be keen on checking the college websites for deadlines and if they have any specific applications to submit or any interviews or portfolios for courses like hotel management, art or architecture. 

How to get into Cornell University from India?

Engineering, Biomedical Sciences, Business Management, Veterinary Science, Architecture, Law, Social Sciences, and Information and Computer Science are among Cornell’s most sought-after courses that draw in Indian students. The institution’s global reputation, the thrust for academic research and the highly qualified job market for Cornell graduates are pressing factors for many Indian students. Given the 7-8% acceptance rate, it is one of the easiest to crack in overall Ivy leagues, given your unwavering commitment and dedication. Here are more tips for Indian students who are aspiring to be Cornell Graduates!

1. You need to checklist all the requirements listed above in the Cornell admission requirements.
2. Choose an interesting course for yourself.
3. Thrive for a high GPA in your school or undergraduate.
4. Build a CV with academic achievements and a heavy focus on your extracurriculars, which show unique traits of leadership, teamwork, curiosity and community development.
5. You need to plan accordingly, whether you will be going through early or regular decision applications.
6. Based on that, apply through the Common Application.
7. Documents that you need to checklist are

• Common Application
• SOP
• Guidance Counsellor recommendation
• Teacher evaluations/ recommendations
• Mid-year report, once grades are available
• GRE/ GMAT test scores (for master’s degree courses)
• Official high school/ degree transcript
• $80 as an application fee.

You also have to apply for a scholarship if you need one, based on your financial capacity; some scholarships are like Cornell Grants, Loans, Tata Scholarship, Fulbright Scholarship, JN Tata Endowment Scholarship (Scholarships at the graduate and doctoral level), Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship and KC Mahindra Trust Scholarship (Interest-free loans for Indian students studying abroad).

If you need more guidance on how to get into Cornell University from India, get in touch with us. We will provide you with the best career guidance counselling and help you get a seat at Cornell University. 

Cornell University Supplemental Essays

Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences supplemental essay

Essay 1: Why are you drawn to studying the major you have selected and specifically, why do you want to pursue this major at Cornell CALS? You should share how your current interests, related experiences, and/or goals influenced your choice. (500 words)

Essay 2: At Cornell CALS, we aim to leave the world better than we found it, so we seek out those who are passionate about serving the public good. Please elaborate on an experience where you were able to have a meaningful impact on people, a community, and/or an environment of importance to you. (100 words)

Essay 3: Cornell CALS is dedicated to purpose-driven study of the agricultural, life, environmental, and social sciences and welcomes students with interests that span a wide variety of disciplines. Given our agricultural history and commitment to educating the next generation of agriculturalists, please share if you have a background or interest in agriculture, regardless of your intended major. An “agricultural entity” for the purpose of this question is defined as cultivating soil, growing crops, and raising livestock (e.g., farm, ranch, greenhouse, vineyard, etc.).

Select all that apply:

• A primary source of income for my parent/guardian(s) comes from ownership of or employment by an agricultural entity.
• My extended family owns or operates an agricultural entity.
• I have experience working in an agricultural entity.
• I have interest in pursuing a career in an agricultural entity.                                           

Please feel free to share additional details (optional). (100 words)

Cornell College of Arts and Sciences supplemental essay

At the College of Arts and Sciences, curiosity will be your guide. Discuss how your passion for learning is shaping your academic journey, and what areas of study or majors excite you and why. Your response should convey how your interests align with the College, and how you would take advantage of the opportunities and curriculum in Arts and Sciences. (650 words)

Cornell SC Johnson College of Business supplemental essay

What kind of a business student are you? Using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. Your response should convey how your interests align with the school to which you are applying within the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business (Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management or the Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration). (650 word limit)

Cornell Engineering supplemental essay

Essay 1: Fundamentally, engineering is the application of math, science, and technology to solve complex problems. Why do you want to study engineering? (200 words)

Essay 2: Why do you think you would love to study at Cornell Engineering? (200 words)

Essay 3: What brings you joy? (100 words)

Essay 4: What do you believe you will contribute to the Cornell Engineering community beyond what you’ve already detailed in your application? What unique voice will you bring? (100 words)

Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy

Why are you drawn to studying public policy? Drawing on your experiences, tell us about why you are interested in your chosen major and how attending the Brooks School will help you achieve your life goals. (650 words)

School of Industrial and Labor Relations

Using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. Your response should show us that your interests align with the ILR School. (650 words)

College of Human Ecology

How has your decision to apply to the College of Human Ecology (CHE) been shaped and informed by your related experiences? How will what you learn through CHE and your chosen major impact your goals and plans for the future? Your response should demonstrate how your interests and aspirations align with CHE’s programs and mission. (Refer to our essay application tips before you begin.) (650 words)

College of Architecture, Art, and Planning

How do your interests directly connect with your intended major at the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP)? Why architecture (B.Arch), art (BFA), or urban and regional studies (URS)? B. Arch applicants, please provide an example of how a creative project or passion sparks your motivation to pursue a 5-year professional degree program. BFA applicants may want to consider how they could integrate a range of interests and available resources at Cornell into a coherent art practice. URS students may want to emphasize their enthusiasm and depth of interest in the study of urban and regional issues. (650 words)

Tips to sketch your supplemental essays:

• Firstly, these essays evaluate your personality based on the prompts, especially your extracurriculars, personality, development, and interests, both academic and non-academic endeavours.
• Focus on the question that the prompt asks, like in the Arts prompt; you need to address the key points of your interests and passions and how you think these will be enhanced at Cornell. Similarly, for the Public Policy prompt, you must highlight your drive to pursue the subject and how studying at Cornell will help you achieve your career goals.
• Be honest
• Stick to the word limit
• Always address the question of Why you are choosing Cornell over others and Why you are an appropriate student to select from a pool of thousands of students. 

FAQs on How To Get Into Cornell University?

1. What is the application process for Cornell University?

The procedure to apply to Cornell University is through the Common Application, which contains:

• Application Fee: The fee is $80; it might be waived for students with financial issues.
• Writing Supplemental Essay: The university will provide some prompts or short questions you need to answer within the word limit.
• Standardized Test Scores: Cornell has gone with a test-optional policy; however, submitting SAT or ACT scores can boost your application.
• Transcripts and Recommendations- your high school certificates and Letter of recommendation, if the university prescribes them for your course.

You must apply for all these, attach the required documents, and submit them online. 

2. how difficult is it to get into Cornell?

Getting into Cornell is difficult, with an approximately 8% acceptance rate, which shows Cornell’s highly selective trait of students; however, if you can work on your GPA, essays and extracurriculars, you will be in a good competitive list at the top. 

3. Where is Cornell University?

Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, USA. 

4. Can I get into Cornell with a 92.68?

92.68% is a commendable percentage. However, Cornell’s average GPA for admitted students is around 4.1. It is below the average GPA of the admitted students, but it is a very substantial score; if you can add it up with outstanding essays, SAT scores, letters of recommendation and extracurriculars in your CV, they will boost your application.

Cornell’s average GPA

The average GPA of admitted students at Cornell is approximately 4.1.

Cornell Average act or sat

SAT: The average SAT score for admitted students in Cornell is 1520 out of 1600.

ACT: The average ACT score is 34. 

5. What SAT score is required for Cornell?

While Cornell does prescribe a minimum SAT score, competitive applicants have a score between 1480 and 1570 for the SAT. 

6. What ACT score is required for Cornell?

The score required for ACT based on previously selected applicants ranges from 33 to 35.