Cornell University admissions are available for international students through Fall and Spring semesters. In Fall 2022, the university received over 71,000 undergraduate applications for the class of 3,441 students. Cornell University is home to 10% undergraduate international students, 53% graduate international students and 32% professional students. The Ivy League institute has a stringent acceptance rate of 9% overall, reduced from 10% in last year. Admitted students at Cornell demonstrate an unweighted GPA of 4.07 on a 4.0 scale (97-100%). International applicants need a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 100 for undergraduate admission and 77 or equivalent for graduate courses.

More than 4000 courses are offered at Cornell University across 100 academic departments. A total of 80 undergraduate majors and 120 minors are offered. International students seeking a place in graduate programs may choose from 100 disciplines.

Tip for Indian Students: Cornell University admissions are need-aware. The university evaluates applications considering the ability of the student and their family to bear the educational expenses. Students anticipating any need for financial assistance must apply for financial aid while applying for Cornell University admission.
Explore: Cornell University Students Profile

Cornell University Admission Deadlines

Cornell University admissions are offered in the terms of Fall, and Spring. The undergraduate deadlines for Cornell University admissions are closed for the 2023 session. Below are the Cornell graduate application :

Cornell University Graduate Admission

Cornell University graduate admissions offered to nearly 100 disciplines in the form professional masters and research based degrees. To get into Cornell University graduate programs, one must demonstrate expertise in the field they have chosen. The admission requirements vary by program. Research students can configure their programs with interrelated field offerings.

Graduate Application Portal: Apply web
Graduate Application Fee: 105 USD (8,600 INR)
Graduate Admission Requirements:

  • Academic transcripts
  • GPA required: 3.5 (90%)
  • English proficiency scores
    • TOEFL-iBT: 77 [S-22 | R-20 | L-15 | W-20]
    • IELTS: 7.0
  • Standardized Test Scores
    • GMAT:660-760
    • GRE:322-334
  • Academic and professional LOR
  • SOP
  • International degree equivalency

Also Check:

Cornell University MS Admission

Some of the top MS and M.Eng. programs at Cornell University and their admission requirements are as follows:

Program ELP scores Documents Required Work
MS in Computer Science TOEFL: Writing, Reading and Listening: 24, Speaking: 28 | IELTS: 7.0 3 LORs | proven excellence record as undergraduate grader/TA in a computer science program Experience as an UG researcher
MS in Mechanical Engineering TOEFL iBT: 77 | IELTS: 7.0 | Competitive GRE score 3 LORs | GRE subject test scores in Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics are recommended Research experience
M.Eng in Information Systems TOEFL iBT: 77 or equivalent 2 LORs | SOP | Resume Not required
M.Eng in Biomedical Engineering TOEFL iBT: 77 | IELTS: 7.0 3 LORs | Demonstrated advanced Mathematics, Calculus-based Physics, and introductory Computer Science knowledge Not required
M.S. in Applied Physics TOEFL iBT: 77 | IELTS: 7.0 Strong background in Physics and related field Not required

Cornell University MBA Admissions

The 2-year Cornell University MBA program is offered through S C Johnson College of Business. International students with F-1 visa can add the STEM OPT extension allowing them to work for 36 months in the USA to earn professional experience. The admission to Cornell MBA is offered in three rounds starting from the second week of September through early-April of the following year.

MBA Application Portal: Johnson Application Portal
MBA Application Fee: 200 USD (16,382INR)
MBA Admission Requirements:

  • Outstanding academic credentials
  • English proficiency scores
    • TOEFL-iBT: 100+
    • IELTS: 7.5
  • GPA required: 3.5 (90%) or better
  • Competitive Standardized Scores:
    • GMAT: at 80% (660-760)
    • GRE: 322-334
  • GMAT or GRE waiver statement (100 words)
  • 1 professional letter of recommendation
  • Thoughtful essays
  • Resume with notable professional accomplishments
  • Intent to make positive impact
  • Ability to communicate career goals clearly
  • 2-5 years of work experience recommended (not mandatory)
  • Admission interview

Also Check: New York Universities for MBA

Admission Deadlines

2 Year MBA
Application Round Deadline
1 September 9, 2022 (closed)
2 January 10, 2023 (closed)
3 April 4, 2023
1 Year Tech MBA
1 October 11, 2022 (closed)
2 January 5, 2023 (closed)
3 March 7, 2023

Class Profile

Enrollment Details Two Year MBA 1 Year MBA
Total Enrollment 303 59
Average Age 29 30
Female students 39% 25%
International Students 43% 21%
Countries Represented 43 15
Academics and Professional Background
Average GPA 3.3 3.51
Average GMAT score 710 720
Average Work Experience 5.5 years 6 ye

Cornell University Undergraduate Admission

For admission to Cornell University undergraduate programs, you must complete the online application first. Students should gather all the supporting documents, Cornell Questions, Writing Supplement required and send them to the university. The standardized test score requirements for admission to the undergraduate programs at Cornell University are suspended for 2022, 2023, and 2024 applicants.

Undergraduate Application Portal: Common Application
Undergraduate Application Fee: 80 USD (6,530 INR)
Undergraduate Admission Requirements:

  • Official High-School transcripts
  • School report (submitted by counselor or school official)
  • GPA required: 3.5 (90%)
  • English language proficiency:
  • 2 LORs from faculty
  • Mid year report (if applicable)
  • Questionnaire and writing supplement
  • Interview
  • Portfolio, design indexes, etc (required for arts, design and architecture courses)

Cornell University Admission Decision

Cornell University declares admission decision for early decision application by mid-December (December 13, 2022). The regular decision applicants get the decisions along with financial aid by early April. Students can check the status of their application online through the Application Status Page of the university website. Students can contact the university admission office for any doubts.

The decision dates for graduate students at Cornell University are course-specific. Graduate students can check the status of their applications through their ApplyWeb account.

Cornell University Admission: Selection Criteria and Acceptance Rate

Cornell University acceptance rate is only 9% overall while the undergraduate acceptance rate is 4.84% as per Fall 2022 admissions. The admissions are highly competitive at Cornell University and the admission expects students to be among the top of their class. Students need to choose their college and program at the beginning of graduate studies. Once the applications are submitted, you will not be able to change the desired college anymore.

Even with an acceptance rate below 10%, Cornell is considered as the easiest Ivy league Institute to get into. In Fall 221, the university received 67,380 undergraduate applications and admitted only 5,852 students. In Fall 2022, the number of applications increased to 71,000 for only 3,441 seats available. The undergraduate acceptance rates of Cornell University for the last 5 consecutive years are as follows:

Cornell University Acceptance rate

Students Profile and Diversity

Tabulated below are the details of students

enrollment on the basis of demographics:

Particulars Enrollment Details
Total Enrollment 25,898
Undergraduate Students 15,735
Graduate Students 7,256
Professional Students 2,907
Percentage of Female Students UG: 54% | PG: 50%
Percentage of International Students 25% [UG: 10% | PG: 53% | Professional: 32%]
Counties Represented 119
Indian Students 4,500
Indian States Represented 30

Undoubtedly, the university is one of the best private research institutes in the world, making it extremely competitive for international students to secure admission. You should be careful to attend any interview formally to make a positive impression. Check all the course-specific requirements thoroughly to avoid missing anything at the last moment. A combination of academic excellence with leadership qualities is the key to successful admission to Cornell University.

FAQs

Ques. What GPA do you need for admission to Cornell University?

Ans. Students do not need a stipulated GPA for admission to Cornell University. The average GPA of the admitted students is 4.07 on a 4.0 scale (97-100%).

Ques. Is it hard to secure Cornell University admission?

Ans. Cornell is known as the ‘Easiest Ivy League’ as it has the maximum acceptance rate among the Ivy League institutions. However, the university has a stringent acceptance rate of 9% indicating a highly competitive admission process.

Ques. What are the admission requirements for Cornell University?

Ans. Cornell University admission requirements for Indian students are tough but achievable. Academic achievement, TOEFL score of 100, compact professional and academic LORs are the key to undergraduate admission at Cornell University. In addition to the academic achievements and English proficiency scores, graduate applicants need GMAT scores between 650-760 or equivalent GRE scores, and thoughtful essays for admission. Work experience of 2-5 years is strongly recommended for admission to the university.

Ques. Is Cornell University admission free for international students?

Ans. Cornell University is not free for international students. Students can avail average first year grants of 43,250 USD (35.31 lakhs INR). The university offers up to 72,800 USD (59.45 lakhs INR) in scholarships to an individual.

Ques. How much is Cornell University application fee?

Ans. The undergraduate application fee at Cornell is 80 USD (6,386 INR). The application fee for graduate students is 105 USD (8,574 INR). For an MBA program, the application fee is 200 USD (16,330 INR).

Ques. What major is Cornell known for?

Ans. Cornell University is known for its Engineering majors. The university has ranked #10 in undergraduate Mechanical Engineering program according to U.S. News and World Report, 2022.