In the recent fall undergraduate admissions, Cornell University had an acceptance rate of 82% making it an averagely selective university. The college accepts applications on a rolling basis, and therefore there is no fixed deadline to apply.

Programs offered at Cornell College include an array of majors and minors, pre-professional programs, cooperative programs, certificates and a Master of Fine Arts program. The college uses Cornell Application, Common Application or Coalition Application for welcoming prospective applicants. Application for undergraduate programs is free of cost. Graduate applicants are required to pay a 30 USD application fee. International applicants are recommended to complete the process earlier keeping in mind the length of the visa process.

Cornell College is test-optional and offers admission as well as scholarships to students without SAT or ACT scores. Test-optional candidates must be prepared to answer short-questions as a part of their application. A secondary school report, teacher recommendations and personal portfolio are optional but recommended for admission to undergraduate programs. Read: Student reviews of Cornell College

Highlights

Application Portal Cornell Application/ Common Application/ Coalition Application
Application Fee 30 USD for MFA applicants
Acceptance Rate 82%
Academic Calendar Semester-based
Intake Seasons Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter
Average SAT Scores 1068-1280
Average ACT Scores 23-29
Work Experience Not Required
Financial Aid Merit scholarships, Loans, Grants

Cornell College Admission Deadlines

Cornell College invites applications for admission on a rolling basis. There is no fixed deadline to apply for admission. Applications for the MFA program are also accepted on a rolling basis. The recommended deadlines for full consideration are April 1 and October 1. Late applicants may be waitlisted.

Cornell College International Student Admissions

International students seeking admission to study in the US follow the same application process as domestic students. The college accepts Cornell Application, Common Application as well as the Coalition Application each of which are treated equally. There is no application fee for undergraduate admission. Applicants who choose to apply without test scores must complete short-answer questions as a part of the application. Also read Study in US Application Requirements

Application Portal: Cornell Application/ Common Application/ Coalition Application
Application Fee: None
Basic Admission Requirements:

  • Official high school transcripts
  • Proof of English language proficiency
  • Cornell International Financial Ability Form
  • Standardised test scores (optional)
  • Short-answer questions
  • Secondary School Report (completed by the applicant and their high school guidance counselor)
  • Teacher recommendations
  • Personal portfolio

English Proficiency Test Scores

Cornell College does not specify any level of English language proficiency required to be successful in the chosen coursework. However, international students are required to submit proof of English language proficiency before admission. Applicants can get in touch with their admission counselor to gather details of what qualifies as proof of English language proficiency.

US Visa Process for International Students

International students seeking admission to Cornell College must complete the process to apply for a student visa to study in the US. To apply for a visa to study in the U.S., students will have to obtain the I-20 Certificate of Eligibility and submit the SEVIS fee. After completing the visa application and paying the SEVIS fee, applicants will have to visit the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and schedule an interview.

The following documents must be carried at the time of visa interview:

  • Passport
  • Form DS-160 non-immigrant visa application
  • Receipt of application fee payment
  • Photograph
  • Certificate of Eligibility for F-1 student status
  • Transcripts, diplomas, certificates or degrees from schools attended
  • Standardized test scores
  • Evidence of intent to depart the U.S. upon completion of the study program
  • Proof of finances

After the interview, the consular officer will determine whether the candidate qualifies for a student visa or not. Once the visa is approved, students will have to pay the visa issuance fee.

Cornell College Undergraduate Admissions

Cornell College offers a wide variety of majors and minor options to applicants in the fields of Business, Education, Computer Science, Engineering, Psychology, Music, Kinesiology, etc. The college is test optional which means students can apply, be admitted and receive financial aid all without submitting SAT or ACT scores.

Application Portal: Cornell Application/ Common Application/ Coalition Application

Application Fee: None

Admission Requirements:

  • High school transcripts
  • SAT or ACT scores (optional)
  • Personal essay or writing sample
  • Short answer questions (to be submitted by no-test score applicants)
  • Letter of Recommendation
  • Personal portfolio

Cornell College Graduate Admissions

Cornell College offers a Master of Fine Arts program with low-residency requirements for graduate students. Creative and academic writing samples of the applicant are important for admission. Applicants must use the personal statement to indicate their personal abilities and character.

Application Portal: Cornell College MFA Application
Application Fee: 30 USD
Admission Requirements:

  • Transcripts of previous college work
  • Contact information for two references
  • Personal statement in 300-500 words
  • A creative writing sample such as poetry, prose, whole pieces, excerpts, several short pieces
  • Sample of academic writing such as an essay or excerpt from a college class or a response to any literary work in 200-250 words
  • Resume (one-two pages)

Once the application is completed, study abroad aspirants can expect to hear from Cornell College within two weeks. All applicants who submit applications for admission to the college are automatically considered for merit-based academic scholarships. Selected recipients will be informed regarding the award of academic merit scholarships along with the acceptance letter.

Cornell College has a less selective admission policy and does not judge applications solely on the basis of grades or test scores. Each application material will be reviewed by the college to understand the applicant’s academic endeavours, personal characteristics and participation before making an admission decision. Check out Scholarships to study in US.