Chances of Getting Into Cornell University
Ithaca, New York • Private University • #12 National • Founded 1865
Cornell Admissions Statistics 2025–2026
Cornell SAT & ACT Scores
SAT Scores (Middle 50%)
ACT Scores (Middle 50%)
About Cornell University
Cornell University is the largest Ivy League school, uniquely combining a private Ivy League tradition with a public land-grant mission across its seven undergraduate colleges. Located on a stunning hilltop campus overlooking Cayuga Lake in Ithaca, New York, Cornell offers unmatched breadth — from hotel administration to engineering to agriculture — all at an elite level.
Top Programs
What Makes Cornell Unique
- Only Ivy League school with a land-grant mission — includes public colleges for NY residents
- Seven distinct undergraduate colleges, each with its own admissions process and culture
- Home to the world's #1 hotel administration program (SHA)
- Largest Ivy with 16,000+ undergrads — offers big-school resources with Ivy prestige
- Gorges, waterfalls, and one of the most scenic campuses in the country
Cornell Cost & Financial Aid
Cost of Attendance
Financial Aid
Cornell Application Deadlines
How to Get Into Cornell: Admission Tips
You apply to a specific college at Cornell — tailor your essay to that college's mission and strengths
ED acceptance rate (~11.6%) gives a meaningful boost — use it if Cornell is your top choice
85.6% of admitted students were in the top 10% of their class — academic rigor is paramount
Essays, recommendations, and extracurriculars are all rated 'Very Important' — invest in each
Show genuine passion for your chosen field; Cornell values applicants who know what they want to study
The Brutal Truth About Cornell Admissions
The numbers are brutal. With a 8.4% acceptance rate, Cornell rejected over 60,101 applicants in the most recent cycle. Many of those rejected students had perfect GPAs and 1550+ SATs.
Stats are table stakes, not differentiators. At Cornell, having a 3.94 GPA and 1540 SAT puts you at average — not above average. What separates admitted students from rejected ones is everything else: essays, activities, recommendations, and authentic passion.
The biggest mistake applicants make: Treating their application like a résumé. Cornell doesn't want a list of accomplishments — they want to understand who you are as a person and what you'll contribute to their community.
Bottom line: Apply if Cornell genuinely excites you — but build a balanced college list. Don't put all your eggs in one 8.4%-acceptance-rate basket.
Cornell Admissions FAQ
What is the acceptance rate at Cornell University?
Cornell University has an acceptance rate of 8.4% as of the most recent admissions cycle. Out of 65,612 applicants, approximately 3,525 students were admitted to the incoming class.
What GPA do I need to get into Cornell?
The average GPA of admitted students at Cornell University is 3.94. Most successful applicants have GPAs above 3.79, with many in the top 5-10% of their high school class.
What SAT score do I need for Cornell?
The middle 50% SAT range for admitted Cornell students is 1510–1560. The average SAT score is 1540. For ACT, the range is 33–35 with an average of 34.
Is Cornell hard to get into?
Yes, Cornell University is highly selective with an acceptance rate of just 8.4%. Even students with perfect GPAs and test scores are not guaranteed admission. Holistic review means essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations all play critical roles.
How much does Cornell cost?
Tuition at Cornell University is $67,272 per year, with total cost of attendance at $90,000. However, 50% of students receive financial aid, with the average aid package exceeding $56,000+.
What are my chances of getting into Cornell?
Your chances of getting into Cornell University depend on your GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and more. With a 8.4% overall acceptance rate, admissions are highly competitive. Use AdmitOdds to get a personalized assessment of your chances based on your actual profile.
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Popular Majors at Cornell
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