We have analyzed the probability of applicants getting into Cornell University and with the recent acceptance rate at the institution, only the best students with good grades have a better chance in the admission process. Cornell University is an institute with a reputable foundation in providing top-quality education. The vision of Ezra Cornell (co-founder of Cornell) was to establish an institution where anyone can find Instruction in any study.
Cornell University is one of the best and most prestigious institutions in the world. A member of the famous Ivy League schools in the United States and it offers decorative degree programs at undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels.
Cornell University is well recognized globally with a huge admiration that attracts thousands of both domestic and international applications. However, the acceptance rate at Cornell University is highly selective as it admits only a few thousand applicants annually.
Cornell University is one of America’s finest institutions. The University’s main campus is a community with an atmosphere of serenity and uniqueness. At Cornell, you get to learn in a modernized research facility and interact with a diverse community from different backgrounds.
On the aspect of the admission process at Cornell University, this article will provide comprehensive information on requirements, application dates and deadlines, and lots more.
It’s a competition getting into Cornell University as you are one out of thousands who share the same ambition as you. So what could you do differently to be at an advantage? If you want to find out, stick around we will get there in a bit.

Also Read: Cornell University Student Portal Login: studentcenter.cornell.edu
About Cornell University
Cornell University is one of the Ivy elites located in Ithaca New York and the year of its establishment dates back to 1865. 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.
Cornell University’s main campus sits on 4,800 acres and as of the fall of 2021, the school has an enrollment of 15,507 undergraduate and 10,086 postgraduate students.
Cornell offers a collection of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Schools at Cornell’s main campus include seven undergraduate colleges and seven graduate divisions. Cornell University also has a campus located in New York and another in Doha, Qatar. Continuing education and summer sessions are also available at Cornell.
Undergraduate Programs at Cornell University
Cornell University offers a wide range of undergraduate programs. You can find your preferred concentration in these fields of study.
Below are the popular undergraduate programs offered at Cornell.
- Architecture
- Astronomy
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Engineering Physics
- English
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Physics
- Physiology
Graduate Programs
- Aerospace Engineering
- Applies Mathematics
- Applied Physics
- Architecture
- Biomedical Engineering
- Computer Science
- Economics
- English
- Law
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
Cornell University Rankings
Cornell University is a household name among Institutions in the United States. The New York-based University provides one of the best education and its reputation has elevated the institution to occupy notable positions in state and national rankings.
National Rankings
- 1st in Best Colleges for Agricultural Sciences in America
- 2nd in Best Colleges for Information Technology in America
- 2nd in Best Colleges for Architecture in America
- 5th in Best Colleges for Business in America
- 8th in Best Colleges for Physics in America
- 10th in Best Colleges for Communications in America
- 12th in Best Colleges for Computer Science in America
State Rankings
- 1st in Best Colleges for Business in New York
- 1st in Best Colleges for Biology in New York
- 1st in Best Colleges for Communications in New York
- 1st in Best Colleges for Economics in New York
- 2nd in Hardest Colleges to Get Into in New York
- 2nd in Best Colleges in New York
- 2nd in Colleges with the Best Professors in New York
Other Rankings
- 17th in National Universities
- 9th in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs
- 22nd in Best Undergraduate Teaching
- 22nd in Best Value Schools
Also Read: What Are The 12 Ivy League Schools and Their Ranking?
Cornell University Acceptance Rate
Cornell University is a private research institution situated in Ithaca, New York, and a member of the Ivy League. The Ivy elites are famous for being among the best and most selective institutes in the United States. And when are talking about the selectivity of the Ivies, we are looking at a single-digit acceptance rate.
The acceptance rate at Cornell University is 11% which is quite selective. Cornell admits 11 out of every 100 applicants. However, Cornell’s admit rate is a bit relaxed when compared to the likes of Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Brown, or Columbia University.
Getting into Cornell University is still extremely selective. The acceptance rate at Cornell University will require a high GPA, SAT, and ACT.
GPA Requirement at Cornell University
With such an acceptance, Cornell University GPA average is expected to be high. In other to stand a chance of getting into Cornell, you will need a high GPA to meet the standards at the university.
Cornell University requires an average GPA of 4.07. To meet this specific GPA requirement, 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 average SAT score is 1480 on the New SAT scale. Sure, Cornell University is highly competitive for standardized test scores.
Below are the statistics of the New SAT scores.
Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 74th Percentile |
Math | 760 | 720 | 800 |
Reading + Writing | 720 | 680 | 760 |
Composite | 1480 | 1420 | 1540 |
ACT Requirement
Cornell University currently has no average ACT require. 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.
Here is a statistics for ACT scores for the 25th and 75th percentile.
Percentile | 25th | 75th |
ACT Score | 32 | 35 |
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.
Also Read: 15 Best Schools For Business In New York
#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
The admission process at Cornell University is selective due to its acceptance rate. Irrespective of the selectivity at Cornell, the number of applications received annually is still in the thousands.
For a successful application, 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.
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
Admission Statistics at Cornell University
The number of applications shown here gives a better understanding of the acceptance rate at Cornell University.
Regions in the United States
- New York: 31.7%
- Mid Atlantic: 18.6%
- International: 10.5%
- West: 12.2%
- New England: 9.7%
- Midwest: 6.5%
- South/Southeast: 6.2%
- Southwest/Mountain: 4.4%
- Unknown: <0.1%
Also Read: 15 Best Schools For Pre Med
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.
Tuition and Fees
- $62,456 Endowed Colleges
- $41,958 State Contract Colleges (In-state resident)
- $62,456 State Contract Colleges (Out of state resident)
- $310 Student Activity Fee
- $434 Health Fee
- Housing and Dining
- $17,088 Living on Campus
- $17,088 Off-Campus, Living in Ithaca Area Apartment
- $5,412 Off-Campus, Commuter
- Books, Supplies, Personal/Miscellaneous
- $1,000 Books & Supplies
- $2,008 Personal/Miscellaneous
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 9th 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 about Cornell University Acceptance Rate
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 acceptance rate?
Cornell University is extremely selective in its admission process with an acceptance rate of 11%. This simply means that out of every 100 applicants, only 11 are admitted.
Is Cornell hard to get into?
Getting onto Cornell University is very competitive. With an acceptance at 11%, 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, getting a good depends on it.
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References
- https://blog.collegevine.com/
- https://www.prepscholar.com/