collage2019 Cornell Acceptance Rate (Class of 2023)
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So, you’re thinking about applying to Cornell, and you’re curious about your chances of admission. Well, we’re here to help! Of course, there are a lot of factors in the admissions process. However, the most important factors in the admissions game are your GPA and test scores.
Test Type
SATACT1600SAT Score16004GPA: 4
Percent change to get into Cornell University:100 percent
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With an acceptance rate of 10.6%, admission to Cornell is very competitive. Based on our analysis, to have a good chance of being admitted, you need to have a GPA of 3.9 or above and have an SAT score of close to 1550, or an ACT score of 34 or above.
Want to better your SAT score? Take our SAT prep course to better your chances of acceptance. Let’s take a closer look at Cornell admission statistics.
2019 CORNELL ADMISSIONS STATISTICS CLASS OF 2023
| Acceptance Rate | 10.6% |
| Total Applicants | 49,118 |
| Total Admissions | 5,183 |
| Average GPA | 3.9 |
CORNELL ACT AVERAGE SCORE AND PERCENTILE SCORES
| ACT Average Score | 32 |
| 25th Percentile Score | 30 |
| 75th Percentile Score | 34 |
CORNELL SAT AVERAGE SCORE AND PERCENTILE SCORES
| SAT Average Score | 1550 |
| 25th Percentile Score | 1390 |
| 75th Percentile Score | 1570 |
If you’re somewhere in the middle of these numbers, remember that a high test score compensates for a lower GPA, and vice versa. If you’re at the lower end, it helps if you’re a diverse applicant, the child of an alum, or have incredible personal achievements.
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Other aspects of your application, such as athletics, extracurricular and recommendations, are important, but will likely only make a difference for admission if you’re in the 75th percentile range for your GPA and SAT/ACT scores.
As we said, admission to Cornell is very competitive. With a perfect ACT score of 36 and a 4.0 GPA, your chances are about 43%.
OK, so you’ve decided to apply. We took a look at Cornell’s admissions requirements to help you get everything in order.
2019 CORNELL APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS CLASS OF 2023
Here’s a full list of the application requirements:
| Fill out the Common Application and answer Cornell’s supplementary questions |
| Pay the $80 application fee (or apply for a fee waiver) |
| Submit your ACT or SAT Score Reports |
| Submit your high school transcript and a school report |
| Submit 2 Letters of Recommendations from teachers |
| Submit 1 Letter of Recommendation from a guidance counselor |
| Submit a mid-year report (if you’re a Regular Decision Applicant) |
| Two SAT Subject Test scores (for some undergraduate schools) |
| Interview (for some undergraduate schools) |
2019 CORNELL APPLICATION DEADLINES CLASS OF 2023
Here are the deadlines you should be aware of:
| Early Decision | November 1st |
| Regular Decision | January 5th |
| Early Decision Financial Aid | November 22nd |
| Regular Decision Financial Aid | February 15th |
Early Decision notifications are released mid-December, and Regular Decision applicants find out their fates in early April.
Sometime in early January is the reply date for admitted Early Decision applicants. May 1 is the reply date for Regular Decision admitted students.
Have you been admitted to Cornell? Congratulations! Below is a glimpse of what your classmates will be like.
2019 CORNELL ADMITTED STUDENTS PROFILE: CLASS OF 2023
If you matriculate at Cornell, you’ll be joining a diverse class, with students from all over the U.S. and the world, and have a chance to study in dozens of fields.
Here are some interesting facts about the recently admitted class:
- 90% graduated in the top 10% of their high school class
- 63% graduated from public schools, 19% graduated from private or parochial schools, and 18% graduated from charter schools, were homeschooled, or otherwise
- 13% are first-generation college students
- 55% are female and 45% are male
- 12% are international
- 54% are students of color
- 32% self-identified as underrepresented minorities
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Cornell students come from all regions of the U.S.:
- New York: 29%
- Mid-Atlantic: 18%
- International: 12%
- West: 11%
- New England: 9%
- Midwest: 9%
- South/Southeast: 7%
- Southwest/Mountain: 5%
What do these admitted students plan to study? Cornell offers over 4000+ courses, and students matriculating there pursue a wide number of subjects. Here is a list of some of Cornell’s programs:
- Agriculture and Life Sciences
- Architecture, Art, and Planning
- Arts and Sciences
- Engineering
- Hotel Administration
- Human Ecology
- Industrial and Labor Relations
Now, how are you going to pay for this?
CORNELL TUITION FIGURES
At $70,321, Cornell’s cost of attendance is astronomical. With an average need-based grant of $28,600, the typical student will pay much less.
Here’s a fuller look at Cornell tuition and financial aid:
- Total budget: $70,321
- Average financial aid package: $28,600
- Some grant awards cover up to 90% of the cost of attendance
- 28% of those receiving aid come from families earning less than $48,000 per year
- 42% of students receiving aid come from families earning between $74,000 and $114,000
For the latest numbers and to learn more about financial aid options, click HERE.
Now, what is life like at Cornell? Let’s take a look.
CORNELL LOCATION
Cornell’s main campus is on East Hill in Ithaca, New York.
The rural campus has an eclectic layout, and a variety of architectural styles, including Collegiate Gothic, Victorian, and Neoclassical buildings.
Cornell freshmen can live in residence halls or program houses, which are themed residence halls celebrating a special interest or cultural background.
Remember, you’re going to Cornell for its excellent academics! Below is a look at what academic life will be like.
CORNELL ACADEMICS
Cornell has dozens of majors.
Students are required to take 34 courses over eight semesters to graduate, including classes in their major and liberal arts and language requirements.
There’s also a swimming test and two courses in physical education. So get active!
Some of Cornell’s more interesting majors:
- Applied Economics and Management
- Atmospheric Science
- Policy Analysis and Management
- Viticulture and Enology
Cornell’s academic year begins on August 23 and ends on May 23.
Now, let’s take a look at life outside the classroom at Cornell.
STUDENT LIFE AT CORNELL
Cornell hundreds of student organizations, covering academic interests, creative and performing arts, cultural and racial initiatives, gender and sexuality affinity groups, government and politics interests, and various media and publications.
Here’s a sampling of Cornell student groups:
- Fashion Collective
- Figure Skating Club
- Swing Dance Club
- Writer’s Block
- Biotechnology Club
- China Club
- Computer Animation Club
- Dressage Club
- Fishing Club
- Impact Dance Troupe
- Juggling Club
Are you an athlete? Cornell’s got plenty of options for you.
CORNELL ATHLETICS
Cornell is in the NCAA Division I Ivy League and competes in 36 intercollegiate sports. Cornell also has plenty of club and intramural offerings, for both men and women.
Cornell’s intercollegiate teams include:
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Ice Hockey
- Lacrosse
- Polo
- Heavyweight Crew
- Lightweight Crew
- Soccer
- Softball
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Track
- Volleyball
- Wrestling
- Golf
- Alpine Skiing
Who might you become with a Cornell degree? Let’s take a look at some well-known and successful alums:
NOTABLE CORNELL ALUMS
Cornell has produced politicians, business tycoons, entertainers, musicians, media figures, and leaders in dozens of other fields.
Here’s a list of some particularly well-known alums:
- Bill Maher, comedian, and host of Real Time with Bill Maher on HBO
- Jane Lynch, actress
- Bill Nye the Science Guy
- Keith Olbermann, sportscaster
- Huey Lewis, rock musician of Huey Lewis and the News fame
- E.B. White, author
- Novelist Tea Obrit
- Junot Diaz, Pulitzer Prize-winning short story writer
- Pearl S. Buck, winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature
- Oscar G. Mayer Jr., Chairman of Oscar Mayer
- Ruther Bader Ginsburg, Associate Supreme Court Justice
- Edmund Muskie, former presidential candidate and U.S. Secretary of State
And this is only a partial list!
REMEMBER!
Getting into Cornell is extremely competitive. Don’t despair if you get a no.
If you have a strong GPA and high test scores, you have a great chance of getting into at least one of the Ivy League schools.
And if you don’t, remember: where you go is NOT who you are. If you work hard, you’ll end up at a school that’s right for you, and still get a great education.
For more test strategy, college admissions, and scholarship application tips sign up for our FREE classhappening right now!
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Cornell Admission Requirements
ITHACA, NEW YORK
Chances of getting into Cornell University
Acceptance Rate
ACCEPTANCE RATE
10.6%
| Admission Standards | Elite | |
| Applicant Competition | Very High |
How hard is it to get into Cornell and can I get accepted? The school has a 11% acceptance rate ranking it #3 in New York for lowest rate of acceptance. Last year, 5,448 out of 51,324 applicants were admitted making Cornell a very highly competitive school to get into with a low chance of acceptance for typical applicants. Academically, it has exceptionally high requirements for admission test scores, generally admitting students who score in the top 4 percent. Cornell University typically accepts and attracts “A-” average high school students. Of those applicants who were admitted, 60% enrolled. With over half of admitted students enrolling, acceptance by Cornell University is a prized outcome for many students. Most incoming freshmen graduated in the top ten percent of their high school class.
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Cornell SAT Scores
SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score
SAT RANGE
1390-1540
APPLICANTS SUBMITTING SAT
71%
| SAT Reading 25th | 680 |
| SAT Math 25th | 710 |
| SAT Composite 25th | 1390 |
| SAT Reading 75th | 750 |
| SAT Math 75th | 790 |
| SAT Composite 75th | 1540 |
| Average SAT Score | 1470 |
SAT Scores you need to get in
What are the SAT requirements for students to be admitted to Cornell University?
Cornell University typically requires applicants to be in the top 5 percent of SAT test takers. The school consistently takes SAT composite scores down to 1390 on a 1600 scale, below which admission should be considered a reach. We estimate some students could be accepted with SAT’s as low as 1310. The estimated average SAT composite for admitted freshman is 1470 out of 1600. The school ranks #2 in New York for highest average SAT composite score. A competitive SAT score is critical as 71 percent of applicants submit SAT scores to the school. Note: SAT scores presented on this page have been adjusted upwards per the College Board’s concordance tables for test takers after March 2016.Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2018 starting class
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Estimated Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score
| SAT SCORE (1600 SCALE) | COMPETITIVENESS | ADMISSION CHANCES |
|---|---|---|
| 1540 and Above | Good | >17% |
| 1465 to 1540 | Avg + | 11%-17% |
| 1390 to 1465 | Avg – | 7%-11% |
| 1315 to 1390 | Reach | 4%-7% |
| Less than 1315 | Low | <4% |
Cornell ACT Scores
ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score
ACT RANGE
32-34
APPLICANTS SUBMITTING ACT
44%
| ACT Reading 25th | 33 |
| ACT Math 25th | 30 |
| ACT Composite 25th | 32 |
| ACT Reading 75th | 35 |
| ACT Math 75th | 35 |
| ACT Composite 75th | 34 |
| Average ACT Score | 33 |
ACT Scores needed to get accepted
What are the ACT requirements for prospective students to get into Cornell?
Admission data indicates that Cornell regularly accepts students with ACT’s of 32 and above. Successful applicants typically send ACT scores in the top 3 percent nationally. We estimate the school accepting minimum ACT composite scores around 31 in some instances. Prospective students submitting an ACT composite of 33 or higher should be in the upper half of applicants – and students with a 34 and above have very competitive chances. The school ranks #2 in New York for highest average ACT composite score. 44 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Cornell University.Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2018 starting class
Estimated Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score
| ACT SCORE | COMPETITIVENESS | ADMISSION CHANCES |
|---|---|---|
| 34 and Above | Good | >17% |
| 33 to 34 | Avg + | 11%-17% |
| 32 to 33 | Avg – | 7%-11% |
| 31 to 32 | Reach | 4%-7% |
| Less than 31 | Low | <4% |
Estimated GPA Requirements & Average GPA
AVG. HIGH SCHOOL GPA
3.9*
TYPICAL HIGH SCHOOL GRADES
A-
You will need exceptionally good grades to get into Cornell University. The average high school GPA of the admitted freshman class at Cornell University was 3.9 on the 4.0 scale indicating that primarily A- students are accepted and ultimately attend. The school ranks #2 in New York for highest average GPA. Meeting these GPA requirements alone is not enough to gain admission as Cornell is a very selective school.
What do these ratings mean?*This school has not released high school GPA data for its incoming freshmen. In these cases, CollegeSimply employs an artificial intelligence (AI) process to predict GPA based on this school’s test scores and a large sample of other colleges’ data. 3.9 is an estimate of the school’s average incoming freshman GPA.
High School Class Rank
87% of Cornell University freshman were in the top ten percent of their high school graduating class.
| HIGH SCHOOL CLASS RANK | FRESHMEN WITHIN RANGE |
|---|---|
| Top 10% of class | 87% |
| Top 25% of class | 98% |
| Top 50% of class | 99% |
| Bottom 50% of class | 1% |
| Bottom 25% of class | 0% |
Data Sources, Wintergreen Orchard House
Admission Statistics
| WOMEN | MEN | TOTAL | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied | 24,982 | 26,342 | 51,324 |
| Accepted | 3,016 | 2,432 | 5,448 |
| Acceptance Rate | 12% | 9% | 11% |
| Enrolled | 1,779 | 1,516 | 3,295 |
| Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) | 59% | 62% | 60% |
Fall 2020 Application Deadline
APPLICATIONS WERE DUE
Jan 2, 2020
DAYS LEFT TO APPLY
None
The application deadline for Fall 2020 has passed. Applications were due on Jan 2, 2020.
Admission Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to Cornell University and what considerations affect admission decisions?
| Test Scores | Required |
| High School GPA | Required |
| High School Class Rank | Recommended |
| Completion of College Preparatory Program | Recommended |
| Recommendations | Required |
| Demonstration of Competencies | Recommended |
Credits Accepted
| AP Credit | Yes |
| Dual Credit | No |
| Credit for Life Experiences | No |
Other Colleges to Consider
Colgate University
Hamilton, New York
Hamilton College
Clinton, New York
Vassar College
Poughkeepsie, New York
Williams College
Williamstown, Massachusetts
Princeton University
Princeton, New Jersey
Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, New York
Jewish Theological Seminary of America
New York, New York
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=190415 IPEDS survey data for Cornell University.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Cornell University prefer SAT or ACT?
71% of students submit their SAT scores to Cornell. 44% of applicants send their ACT scores when applying.
What is my chance of getting into Cornell University?
What SAT score is required for Cornell University?
What ACT score is required for Cornell University?
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