Your chances of getting into Cornell University
Admission Rate & Difficulty
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Cornell is 7.5%. Its admission rate is the 2nd lowest in New York and the 20th lowest the nation.
Admission Selectivity
How hard is it to get into Cornell and can you get accepted?
Cornell is an extremely competitive school to get into and is highly selective who it accepts. You have a very low chance of acceptance even even if you meet the admission criteria. It's critical that you meet their GPA requirements to get past the first round of consideration. Last year, only 5,168 out of the 69,195 who applied were admitted.
Cornell University typically accepts and attracts "A-" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.9. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top ten percent of their high school class or better. Of those applicants who were admitted, 68% enrolled. This indicates that the school is a top choice for many students who apply.
Can you get into Cornell?
7% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.
Admission Requirements in Brief
To have the best chance of getting into to Cornell University you should:
- Have a high school GPA of 3.9 or better
- Earn A- grades in high school
- Score 1520 on the SAT
- Score 34 on the ACT
- Graduate in the top 10% of your high school class
Cornell GPA
GPA Requirements & Average GPA
What GPA do you need to get into Cornell University?
GPA Requirements
The GPA requirements for getting into Cornell are to have around a 3.9 high school GPA. You are required to have exceptionally good grades and you should be graduating near the top of your class.
Given the school's very highly selective admissions, acceptance at Cornell extremely difficult and unlikely even with a 3.9 GPA. The school should be considered a reach even if you have a 3.9 GPA. If your grades do not meet the GPA requirements, you will have very little chance of being considered for admission.
Average GPA
The average unweighted GPA at Cornell is 3.9 on the 4.0 scale. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn A- letter grades and regularly score around 90-92 percent on tests and assignments in high school. The school ranks #6 in New York for highest average GPA.
Importance of GPA
Since Cornell is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.
See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.9 GPA range.
*This school has not published high school GPA data for its incoming freshman class. In these cases, CollegeSimply uses an algorithm to predict GPA based on this school's test scores and a large sample of college GPA data. 3.9 is a prediction of the school's average incoming freshman GPA.
Cornell SAT Scores
Testing Requirements
Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to Cornell University. If you optionally submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 37% of students submitted SAT scores and 14% submitted ACT scores for admission for the most recent academic year..
SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score
| SAT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | 710 |
| Math 25th Percentile | 760 |
| Composite 25th Percentile | 1470 |
| SAT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | 770 |
| Math 75th Percentile | 800 |
| Composite 75th Percentile | 1570 |
| Average SAT Score | 1520
|
SAT Scores you need to get in
What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to Cornell University?
Average Score & Range
The average SAT score at Cornell is 1520 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 1470-1570. Students who get into Cornell University score in the top 2 percent of all SAT test takers.. Cornell ranks #2 in the state of New York and #23 in the nation for highest average SAT composite score.
Score for Acceptance
You should target scoring 1520 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. Cornell regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 1470 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 1470, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 1420, but scores this low are outside the normal range.
Score Submission Requirements
Cornell University is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".
View other colleges which accept students in the 1520 SAT score range.
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting classChance of Acceptance by SAT Score
The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 1520, you have around a 7% chance of being admitted. A 1570 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 13% chance of getting in.
Cornell ACT Scores
ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score
| ACT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | 34 |
| Math 25th Percentile | 32 |
| Composite 25th Percentile | 33 |
| ACT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | 36 |
| Math 75th Percentile | 35 |
| Composite 75th Percentile | 35 |
| Average ACT Score | 34
|
ACT Scores needed to get accepted
What are the ACT requirements for students to get into Cornell?
Score Range
The average ACT score for admitted students to Cornell is 34, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 33 and 35. The school ranks #2 in New York and #24 in the U.S. for highest average ACT composite score.
Score for Acceptance
For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 34. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 33 and score in the score in the top 2 percent nationally.
14 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Cornell University.
Score Submission Requirements
You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as Cornell University is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".
Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting classChance of Acceptance by ACT Score
Here are your predicted chances of getting into Cornell for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 34 score has around 7% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 13% with a 35 ACT score.
High School Class Rank
84% of Cornell University freshman are in the top ten percent of their high school graduating class. For your application to be competitive, you need to graduate at the top of your class.
| High School Class Rank | Freshmen Within Range |
|---|---|
| Top 10% of class | 84.2% |
| Top 25% of class | 96.5% |
| Top 50% of class | 100% |
Applying
Admission Statistics
Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.
| Women | Men | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied | 34,524 | 34,671 | 69,195 |
| Accepted | 2,851 | 2,317 | 5,168 |
| Acceptance Rate | 8% | 7% | 7% |
| Enrolled | 1,921 | 1,570 | 3,491 |
| Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) | 67% | 68% | 68% |
Fall 2024 Application Deadline
Applications Due
Days left to Apply
The application deadline for Fall 2024 has passed. Applications were due on Jan 2, 2024.
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to Cornell University is $80.
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to Cornell University and what student information is used for admission decisions?
| Test Scores | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional) |
| High School GPA | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted |
| High School Class Rank | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted |
| Completion of College Preparatory Program | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted |
| Recommendations | Required to be considered for admission |
| Demonstration of Competencies | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted |
Credits Accepted
| AP Credit | Yes |
| Dual Credit | No |
| Credit for Life Experiences | No |
Admission Requirements Summary
Because Cornell is extremely competitive, you have a very low likelihood of acceptance. It is critical that you earn at least a 3.9 GPA to have any chance. Additionally, you need to score at least a 1520 on the SAT and optimally 1570 to put yourself in a competitive position. For ACT scores, you should really strive for a 34 to have the best chance of getting in.
Other Colleges to Apply To
Students applying to Cornell University often consider these colleges
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=190415 IPEDS survey data for Cornell University.
FAQs
Does Cornell University prefer SAT or ACT?
37% of students submit their SAT scores to Cornell. 14% of applicants send their ACT scores when applying.
What is my chance of getting into Cornell University?
7% of those who apply are granted admission to Cornell. Admission competition is extreme and the college has elite admission standards. See if your grades and scores are good enough for admission.
What SAT score is required for Cornell University?
The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have SAT scores between 1470 and 1570. The average SAT score is 1520. See if your SAT score is good enough for admission.
What ACT score is required for Cornell University?
The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have ACT scores between 33 and 35. The average ACT score is 34. See if your ACT score is good enough for admission.