Statistically, Early Decision admission rates are around ~35% for the university as a whole and perhaps around ~25–30% for the College of Engineering (varies by year); this is in comparison to the 18% admissions rate for the College of Engineering for Regular Decision in 2016.

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Cornell’s Acceptance Rate is 10.3%

Without mincing words, Cornell is one of the most competitive schools in the world to get into, boasting an admissions rate just under 11%. Cornell admission statistics indicate that Cornell accepts about 11 out of every 100 students that apply. With an acceptance rate of 10.3%, admission to Cornell is extremely competitive. For the the class of 2022, 51,324 students applied and 5,448 were accepted. 3,295 students matriculated as first-time freshmen in Fall 2018.

Other admissions statistics include:

Cornell Engineering Requirements

• Standardized test scores (middle 50% range):
• SAT Reading: 680-750
• SAT Math: 710-790
• SAT Total: 1410-1530
• ACT Composite: 32-34

Of the 23.6% of enrolling students reporting their class rank, 82.8% were in the top 10% of their graduating high school class, 96.6% were in the top quarter, and 99.5% were in the top half.

How Do You Get Into Cornell?

The Cornell Admission website states:

“Our admission process is highly individualized, and we spend lots of time evaluating whether you’ll be a good fit for the culture and philosophy of our university.”

As with many highly selective schools, Cornell’s applicants tend to excel academically and are involved in leadership roles in many extracurricular activities. The ones who stand out show exceptional achievement and showcase their strengths accordingly. Consider what your hook is, and make sure you present it in a meaningful way. Perhaps you’re the first member of your family to attend college and faced unique challenges growing up. Maybe you’re a star oboe player and have participated in extracurriculars such as All-State Orchestra.

It’s important to tell a cohesive story and give your application a theme that is obvious to the admissions committee. For example, if you’re interested in pursuing engineering, you’ll want to demonstrate academic rigor in areas like math and science by excelling in AP-level courses, as well as participating in extracurriculars such as programming competitions. Remember to quantify your accomplishments by showing evidence and being specific, as well as ranking them in the order in which they are most meaningful to you. For instance, if you tutored a student in math, you might state the percentage the student gained on her tests.

Also, remember to demonstrate interest in Cornell by visiting the campus, asking questions, exploring any admissions materials you receive, and ensuring that you are a good fit.

Cornell Engineering Ranking

Cornell Engineering ranks #12 among engineering colleges in the 2022 U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools rankings released on March 30, 2021.