Cornell University is a private Ivy League research university located in Ithaca, New York. Since its founding, the academic institution of Cornell has not discriminated against the student body based on religion or race.
What is Cornell University?
Cornell University was founded in 1865 by Ezra Cornell. Since its founding, Cornell has had many colleges within the university that are state funded, one of only three in the state of New York to do so. The main campus of Cornell University in Ithaca spans 745 acres (more than 4,300 acres when the Cornell Botanic Gardens and the numerous university-owned lands in New York City are included).
Testing Scores for Admission
According to the college, the average SAT score ranges from 1470 to 1550, while the average ACT score is between 33 and 35. Shifting to class rank, 82% had earned a place in the top 10% of their graduating high school class and 96% landed in the top quartile. As such, GPA is just as important as the main two standardized tests.
Acceptance & Graduation Rate
To get into Cornell, a student’s standardized test scores and high school GPA have to be exceptional. This is reflected in the acceptance rate as it is 7%. However, this school has enrolled some of the brightest students as the graduation rate is 95%.
How Are Applicants Rated?
In sum, there are eight factors that Cornell ranks as being “very important” to their admissions process: rigor of secondary school record, GPA, standardized test scores, the essay, recommendations, extracurricular activities, talent/ability, and character/personal qualities. Standing out in all of these areas definitely increases your chances of gaining acceptance to this Ivy League institution.
Tips to Get into Cornell
- All Ivy leagues, including Cornell accept the Common App so students should use that to their advantage by filling out the activities section.
- Cornell has suspended their SAT and ACT requirements for 2024 first year applicants, and this looks to continue for future years to come as only 49% of the class of 2026 submitted a score for either of these tests. This means Cornell is considered a test optional school but submitting SAT and ACT scores is encouraged.
- Cornell prides itself on diversity, as 58% of students are persons of color and the entire student body comes from all 50 states and 85 different countries. Additionally, 20% of them are first generation college students.
- Like many Ivies, Cornell doesn’t consider “demonstrated interest” so you don’t need to make a campus visit in order to improve your chances of getting accepted.
How Does Cornell Compare to Other Top Universities?
Cornell’s yield rate—the percentage of accepted students who elect to enroll, divided by the total number of students who are admitted is 68%. For comparison, elite schools such as Caltech, UCLA, Washington University in St. Louis, UVA, and USC all have yield rates around or under 50%.
Are you or will you be attending Cornell University?
Stock up on gear to show your pride for the Big Reds. Grab this sweatshirt, decals for your laptop, or this Cornell pennant.
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