With the recent acceptance rate at Cornell University, prospective students will need to present outstanding high school grades, test scores, and a convincing application.
We all know what Cornell offers in terms of academic programs and research. A community that strives for excellence and faculty that inculcates the best experiences.
Cornell University is one of the best and most prestigious institutions in the world. A member of the famous Ivy League schools that offer decorative degree programs at undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels.
Admission to Cornell University is extremely selective with a single-digit admit rate.
It’s a competition getting into Cornell University as you are one out of thousands who share the same ambition. So what could you do differently to be at an advantage?
About Cornell University
Cornell was founded by Ezra Cornell and Andrew Dickson White who envisioned establishing a higher learning institution that would provide an education in all fields of study. The university is located in Ithica, New York and was founded in 1865.
According to U.S. News & World Report, Cornell’s main campus sits on 745 acres with an enrollment of over 26,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Schools at Cornell’s main campus include seven undergraduate colleges and seven graduate divisions. Cornell University also has a campus located in New York, Doha, and Qatar. Continuing education and summer sessions are also available at Cornell.
Cornell University Rankings
According to U.S. News & World Report, Cornel University ranks #12 in National Universities, #20 in Best Value Schools, and #8 in Business Programs.
The private Ivy League research university is ranked #13 on the list of the world’s top 100 universities according to QS World University Rankings. Cornel also ranks #20 on world university rankings according to Times Higher Education.
Cornell University Acceptance Rate
The Ivy elites are famous for being among the best and most selective institutes in the world.
The acceptance rate at Cornell University was 6.9% for the class of 2026. This was after about 71,000 applications were received at Cornell and only 4,908 were accepted.
According to an article published by the Cornell Daily Sun, Cornell University admitted 1,6870 students into the class of 2027 during its early decision application.
The newly admitted students at Cornell University hail from the 50 states of the U.S. and over 85 countries.
GPA Requirement at Cornell University
According to Prepscholar.com, Cornell requires an average GPA of 4.07. To meet this standard, you will need to be at the top of your class to stand a chance of competing with thousands of applicants.
If your GPA is below Cornell’s average, you can compensate for it with a high standardized test (SAT/ACT) score.
SAT Requirement
Cornell University’s average SAT score is 1480 on the New SAT scale. Sure, Cornell University is highly competitive for standardized test scores.
Also Read: What Are The 12 Ivy League Schools and Their Ranking?
ACT Requirement
Cornell University currently has no average ACT requirement. However, if you submit an ACT with a score of 32 or less, you reduce your chances of getting into Cornell.
The standard for ACT scores at Cornell University is 34.
How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Into Cornell University
It’s a competition getting into Cornell, as thousands of both domestic and international applicants, apply each year to the university. If you want to become the next freshman at Cornell, these few tips will increase your chances.
#1. Apply To Cornell via Early Decision
There is an Early Decision application at Cornell University. Statistics show an acceptance rate of 21.4% for Early Decision applicants at Cornell. Rather than wait for the Regular Decision, you can increase your chance of getting into Cornell by applying via the Early Decision.
Additionally, ensure you visit the Cornell official website to stay updated on the latest information regarding application dates and deadlines.
#2. Obtain an average GPA of 4.07 While Taking Hard Courses
The average required GPA at Cornell is 4.07. If your GPA is below the average, you can take hard courses available in your school to increase your chances of competing with other applicants.
You can take up to eight or more AP classes to prove your candidacy to Cornell.
#3. Aim for Higher Standardized Test Score
To improve your chance of getting into Cornell University, you will need an SAT score of 1540 and an ACT score of 35.
Once you attain these test scores, the odds of getting admitted into Cornell are in your favour.
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#4. Write an Essay
The application readers at Cornell University want to read an interesting essay about you and why you have chosen a specific field of study. Write a unique essay to convince the admission officials about your candidacy.
You should be prepared in your essay writing, as colleges at Cornell have different personal easy questions for applicants.
Cornell University Application Requirement
For a successful application to Cornell, here are the basic requirements
Application Requirements for First-Year Applicants
All first-year applicants are to follow these simple steps to apply to Cornell.
Basic Requirement
Each of the seven undergraduate colleges at Cornell has specific requirements for application. You can visit the school’s official website to check the requirements.
Application Fee or Fee Waiver
Cornell University requires that you pay a non-refundable application fee or waiver fee of $80. Your application can not be reviewed without paying the application fee.
Also Read: Cornell University Student Portal Login: studentcenter.cornell.edu
Application
You can complete and submit your application online via the Common Application.
Application Supporting Materials
Through the Common Application website, you can find, complete and submit the following forms.
School Report
Have your school counsellor or official complete and submit your school report and transcripts online.
Counsellor Recommendation
Ask your school counsellor or academic advisor to write a letter of recommendation.
Teacher Evaluation
Cornell University requires that you submit two teacher recommendations. If your teachers are sending the letter through the mail, they should include your name and date of birth on all pages of the letter.
Mid-Year Report
Cornell requires the submission of a mid-year report immediately after the application deadline. The mid-year report must be submitted online by your school counsellor to enable Cornell to evaluate your application.
Cornell Supplemental Information
All applicants must partake in the Cornell Questions and Writing Supplement (CA) which includes Cornell-specific questions and essays.
Official Transcript
Cornell University demands that you submit your official secondary school transcripts before the deadline for application. Your school should submit the transcript online or through the mail.
Standardized Test (SAT/ACT) Score
The requirement for standardized test scores has been suspended by Cornell University for all applicants from 2022 to 2024.
Interview
If you are applying to the architecture program, Cornell demands that you participate in an interview. Additionally, all applicants to the Department of Art or Urban Regional Studies are recommended to participate in an interview.
Also Read: How to get into an Ivy League School and their Acceptance Rate
Requirements for International Applicants
The acceptance rate at Cornell is quite selective, yet a large number of international applicants submit their applications to the university.
Cornell evaluates an application on the standard of the school attended, and not based on citizenship, religion, or ethnicity. All applicants are treated equally and given the same opportunity.
The application process for international applicants is the same as those of first-year applicants. However, there is a requirement for an English proficiency test for applicants who are from countries where English is not their native language.
English Language Proficiency
Cornell University requires all applicants to be fluent in the English language for easy interaction and understanding of receiving instruction. If you are from a country where the official language is not English or you graduated from an institution with instruction given in a different language, Cornell demands that you submit results from an English proficiency exam.
The required English proficiency exams include.
- TOEFL
- iTEP
- IELTS
- PTE
- Duolingo English Test
- C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency
- TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition
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Cornell University Tuition and Fees
The estimated cost of attendance at Cornell University is $62,000.
Here is a holistic estimate of the cost of attendance at Cornell.
| College | Per Semester | Per Year |
| Endowed Ithaca Architecture, Art and Planning; Arts and Sciences; Engineering; Hotel Administration | $32,602 | $65,204 |
| Contract – New York State Resident Agriculture and Life Sciences; Human Ecology; Industrial and Labor Relations | $21,944 | $43,888 |
| Contract Nonresident Agriculture and Life Sciences; Human Ecology; Industrial and Labor Relations | $32,602 | $65,204 |
Is Cornell A Good School?
Cornell University is one of the Ivy elites and a household name among global institutions. The University has seven undergraduate schools and seven graduate divisions.
Cornell University is ranked 10th in offering the best undergraduate engineering program in the United States. Cornell is an institution you would yearn to attend and acquire the best experiences in academics.
Cornell University Contact Address
- School Address: Ithaca, New York 14850
- Phone: (607) 254-4636
Frequently Asked Questions
These are some of the frequently asked questions regarding the acceptance rate at Cornell University.
What GPA is required to get into Cornell?
The average GPA requirement at Cornell University is 4.07. If you want to increase your chances of getting into Cornell, you will need to achieve a GPA of 4.07 or above.
What is Cornell University’s acceptance rate?
Cornell University is extremely selective in its admission process with an acceptance rate of 6.9%.
Is Cornell hard to get into?
Getting onto Cornell University is very competitive. With an acceptance at 6.9%, you will need a high GPA, SAT, or ACT to get into Cornell. However, you can increase your chances of admission by applying via Early Decision.
Is Cornell University the easiest Ivy?
Yes! Cornell is the only Ivy League school without a single-digit acceptance rate.
Conclusion
Getting into any of the Ivies is extremely competitive and Cornell has shown that it’s not an exception. The founders of Cornell University had the purpose of establishing an institution that would accommodate everyone irrespective of their preferred field of study.
Today, Cornell is living up to the expectations of its founders. If you want to get that experience of attending an Ivy League, it all depends on getting good grades and test scores, with a convincing application.
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References
- U.S. News & World Report: Cornell University
- TopUniversities: Cornell University
- Times Higher Education: Cornell University
- The Cornell Daily Sun: Cornell Reduces Proportion of Students Admitted Through Early Decision Track
- Prepsholar.com: Cornell Requirements for Admission
