Apply for Admission and Scholarship

Start your common application

To be considered for admission and merit scholarship, students need to submit the required materials listed below. Candidates who apply before December 1 will be notified of their decision no later than February 1. Priority consideration for scholarship is given to all candidates who complete the process before February 1. After February 1, consideration will be given based on space availability and merit. The priority scholarship deadline for transfer students is April 1. There are slight differences in required materials for first-year and transfer students, and two additional requirements for international students.

At Cornell, we provide a thoughtful and holistic review of all application materials for each candidate, and your admission counselor is always available to answer your questions.

1. Submit the Cornell College Supplement

Candidates may complete the supplement before (of after) submitting the full Common Application. We encourage students do so before to help us keep in touch, tailor communication to their interests, and guide them through the process while they finalize their application and essay. Applicants can complete this form either through our website or the Common Application online. 

2. Submit the Common Application Online

The required application for admission is the Common Application (www.commonapp.org). All application materials, including the Cornell College Supplement, can be submitted via this online system. The application fee is waived for candidates who complete the application online.  

Required Materials

Submit the following to complete your application file.

First-year Students

1. Common Application with Essay
2. Cornell College Supplement to the Common Application
3. Secondary School Report Form (submit via Common Application)
4. Transcript (all high school coursework to-date)
5. Test Scores (ACT or SAT; SAT IIs are optional)
6. Teacher Recommendation(s) (submit via Common Application)

Transfer Students

1. Common Application with Essay
2. Cornell College Supplement to the Common Application
3. Dean's Reference Form (click to open and print)
4. Transcript (College transcript required; high school transcript required with fewer than 24 college credits)
5. Teacher Recommendations are optional but encouraged (submit via Common Application)

International Students

International students follow the same application process as U.S. citizens, with two additional steps:

1. TOEFL, IELTS, or STEP score.
   
   Minimum TOEFL scores are: 79 (Internet), 213 (computer), 550 (paper). Recommended TOEFL scores are: 100 (Internet), 250 (computer), 600 (paper). The minimum IELTS score is 6.0; the recommended IELTS score is 7.0. The minimum STEP score is Grade Pre-1; the recommended STEP score is Grade 1. You may also wish to submit an SAT or ACT score to enhance your application and for scholarship consideration, but you are not required to do so.
   
   
2. Submit Financial Information
   
   In order to be considered at Cornell, you must complete the International Student Financial Aid Application, the International Student Certification of Finances, and provide supporting financial documents in U.S. dollars.