Prospective Students/General Info
How can I get a copy of the application?
The easiest way to obtain an application is to download one from the web (in both printable and electronic formats).
Can I apply to more than one college at Cornell?
Yes, Cornell offers applicants for undergraduate admission the option of applying to two colleges, recognizing that Cornell's undergraduate colleges and schools offer a multitude of distinctive academic programs, and that many applicants have diverse intellectual interests that may be satisfied by more than one college or school. Applicants using the primary/alternate admission option must satisfy the application requirements for both colleges, including submitting a college interest essay for both colleges. Only exceptional candidates with a serious intellectual passion satisfied by the alternate college or school will be considered for admission by the alternate college.
What are the SAT II requirements?
The College of Engineering requires students applying for admission to submit scores for two SAT II exams: one in math (any level) and one in science, as well as scores from the new SAT which now includes a writing section (since the SAT II in writing is no longer offered), or the ACT. If you choose to submit ACT scores, Cornell requires that you also take the 30-minute writing component of the ACT exam.
Do I have to apply to a particular major? What if I change my mind later?
No, you do not apply to a particular major; you apply to the college. When you apply to the College of Engineering, you can indicate an intended major if you wish. You do not officially select your major until the second semester of your sophomore year. It is not uncommon for students to change their minds about what area of engineering they’d like to specialize in.
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What happens if I’m not admitted during Early Decision?
Students not admitted during the Early Decision period will be deferred to Regular Decision or denied admission. Students who are deferred are deemed competitive.
What are the minimum SAT scores required to be admitted to the College of Engineering as a freshman?
The College of Engineering does not have a minimum SAT, since the standardized test scores are simply one aspect of an applicant’s preparation. However, we do know that of the admitted students in the class, at least 75% scored between 720-800 on their SAT math and approximately half of the class scored better than 700 on the SAT verbal.
What is the minimum high school GPA required to be admitted to the College of Engineering as a freshman?
There is no set minimum, but it should come as no surprise that we look for students who excel in their studies, particularly in math and science, and who have grades in the A range. When considering a student’s GPA, we look at things like the rigor of the high school curriculum, whether the GPA is weighted or un-weighted, and whether the student has taken challenging courses.
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Does Cornell have special visitation programs available to prospective students?
Yes, there are many programs for you to take advantage of to explore Cornell. In the fall the College of Engineering offers a Fall Hosting program and an Open House. There are numerous bus trips that our alumni organizations arrange for students from major cities to visit campus. Also, we offer information sessions and tours throughout the year.
Does Cornell have an honors program?
Most (not all) departments in the College of Engineering offer honors programs for undergraduate students who wish to go above and beyond the basic Bachelor of Science requirements. Although these requirements vary by department, all participants must have a GPA of at least 3.5 to be eligible. Once admitted to the honors program, students will take advanced coursework in their majors and complete an applied project, research, or thesis, as dictated by the department.
Can engineering students study abroad?
Undergraduates in the College of Engineering can study abroad at both traditional and engineering colleges, but early, careful planning is a must due to the highly structured and sequential nature of the engineering curriculum. We are currently offering special engineering programs in France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Mexico, and Spain. We recommend that students begin freshman year to work closely with faculty advisors, the Engineering Advising Office, and the Cornell Abroad Office.
Does the College of Engineering offer credit for AP, IB, and GCE scores?
The College of Engineering routinely offers credit for appropriately high scores on Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate Higher Level (IB), and General Certificate of Education (GCE) examinations. This advising chart will provide you with specific requirements for each course. You can also earn credit by taking a Cornell Advanced Standing Exam (CASE) during the fall orientation period.
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Will the College of Engineering offer transfer credit for college classes taken during high school?
Transfer credit for college courses taken before high school graduation may be awarded if the course was taught at an accredited college or university by its own faculty members and if the student can present a signed statement from the high school registrar certifying that the course was not used to fulfill high school graduation requirements. If these criteria are met, Cornell faculty will review the course description and award transfer credit if the course is equal in scope and rigor to a corresponding course in the Engineering curriculum.
How do you evaluate applicants who are home-schooled?
Because we strive to understand and appreciate the depth and variety of a home-schooled applicant’s experience, we require the following information for the three years prior to college application: course syllabi and textbooks used for all courses; information on independent projects, laboratory experiences, research projects, etc.; standardized test scores, including state exams, ACT, SAT, and SAT II, and Advanced Placement exams (as appropriate); information on any college-level courses taken; and (if available) a high school certification of the home-school curriculum. Feel free to call the Engineering Admissions Office if you have additional questions.
Are admissions interviews required?
We do not offer formal admissions interviews because of the number of applications we receive annually. However, many freshman applicants will be contacted by an alum in their area four to six weeks after submission of the Common Application. Note: this meeting is not evaluative; it is an opportunity for you to meet someone who spent his or her undergraduate years at Cornell so that you can learn how the experience has affected his or her life and career. For more information on alumni meetings, please call the Undergraduate Admissions Office at 607-255-5241.
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When will I find out about my admissions decision?
Early Decision candidates will be notified by mid-December; Regular Decision candidates will be notified around the first of April.
How can I check on the status of my application?
When we receive your Common Application and fee, we will e-mail you with the information you need to establish an online Application Status Account on Cornell's Web site. Using this secure site, you will be able to track your application materials, update your e-mail address when necessary, and have access to your admissions decision. If you do not receive a PIN within two weeks of submitting the Common Application to Cornell University, it may be because your e-mail address is incorrect or you are blocking e-mail from us. Go to our Web site, click on "Check Application Status," and follow the instructions to obtain your PIN. Use the troubleshooting feedback form if you continue to have problems.
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International Applicants FAQ
I’m a citizen of Mexico/Canada. Am I still considered an international student?
Yes. You will still need to fill out the application for international students. However, Canadian and Mexican citizens and permanent residents are considered for financial aid in the same way as U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
Can international students apply through Early Decision?
International financial aid candidates must apply for consideration during the regular selection period. International students may apply to Cornell through the Early Decision program if they are citizens or permanent residents of the U.S., Canada, or Mexico or if they do not plan to apply for financial aid through Cornell. International students who do not meet either of these criteria are not eligible to apply through the Early Decision program for the following reason: Applicants who are admitted through Early Decision must send in their acceptance deposit by early January and withdraw their applications from all other schools. Financial aid for international students is awarded only at the end of March after all applications are reviewed.
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Does Cornell offer financial aid for international students?
If you are a non-U.S., Mexican, or Canadian citizen, limited financial aid is available. We encourage all of our international students to seek outside funding or sponsorship from their local government or industry. In order to be considered for financial aid, international students must complete the 2S portion of the International Supplement to the Cornell application. A printable PDF form is available online.
If English is not my first language, do I still need to take the SAT II Writing exam?
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam is required for applicants outside the U.S. whose first language is not English,including students attending English medium schools.
The TOEFL/IELTS is recommended for applicants whose first language is not English, who are enrolled in secondary schools and colleges or universities in the U.S. (unless they will have completed more than two years of secondary and/or post-secondary schooling in the U.S.).
The TOEFL/IELTS is waived for applicants who score 670 or higher on the critical reading portion of the SAT; it is waived for applicants who have studied for two or more years in a country where English is the first language (e.g., Australia, Canada, New Zealand, U.K.); and the TOEFL/IELTS is waived for applicants who have completed more than two years of secondary and/or post-secondary schooling in the U.S.
When will I receive my I-20 Form?
In order to receive an I-20, students must:
- be accepted to Cornell
- indicate they will enroll by submitting the $400 acceptance deposit
- document their ability to meet the cost of attendance by submitting the 2R portion of the Cornell application 2R Form (Declaration of Finances)
Visa documentation and approval generally require more time than in the past, so submit your 2R form as soon as you send your acceptance deposit. For more information, see the United States Government's Visa site and Cornell ISSO.
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What type of support is available for international students?
The International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) is the campus center for international students at Cornell. ISSO can advise you about immigration issues, financial matters, campus services for academic and personal counseling, medical care, housing, and even hints about living in Ithaca, NY. The office plans an international student orientation (called PREPARE) at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters that includes many social events to help you meet other international students and make a smooth transition to the Cornell community. For more information about the International Students and Scholars Office, contact them at: phone 1-607-255-5243; email isso@cornell.edu.
My country requires military service, but I want to attend Cornell. What should I do?
Deferrals are granted on a case-by-case basis. We ask admitted students seeking a military deferral to request a deferral via the Engineering Deferral web page. The online form asks for your name, permanent address, when you intend to enroll at Cornell, and type of military deferment. You must also send us a copy of your military enlistment letter. Please note: After a deferral is granted, it will be honored only after we receive your enrollment deposit.
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I want to enroll at Cornell, but haven’t heard from my scholarship committee. What should I do about my deposit to Cornell?
Please email the Engineering Admissions Office at engr_admissions@cornell.edu to let us know of your special circumstance. Include your full name, address, and when you expect to hear from the scholarship committee. Deposit extensions are granted on a case-by-case basis. An admissions professional will get back to you within 72 hours.
What tests are required for international applicants?
International applicants must take the tests required of all other applicants. These include the SAT or ACT with the 30-minute writing test component, and two SAT IIs (one math and one science). International students whose first language is not English will be required to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). The TOEFL is not required for students who come from English-speaking countries—Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Jamaica, Bermuda, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Students from countries where English is used in the classroom but not at home must submit a TOEFL score. Note that the TOEFL is only one indicator of English proficiency. We also review the English Proficiency Report (Form 2F), the English courses you are taking, and your writing on the application.
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Transfer Applicants FAQ
Who is a transfer student?
By Cornell’s definition, a transfer student is a student who has graduated from high school AND has earned twelve or more credits at or has matriculated at another college or university.
When is the transfer application deadline, and when will I be notified of Cornell’s decision?
The College of Engineering admits transfer students for matriculation only in the fall semester, primarily due to the sequencing of the courses in our curriculum. The deadline for completed transfer applications is March 15th of each year, and students are notified of Cornell’s decision on a rolling basis from the end of April through early July.
Does it matter if I am transferring from a two- or four-year college?
No, the College of Engineering accepts transfer applicants from both two- and four-year schools. What is more important is the rigor of the engineering curriculum at the institution you are attending and how well your coursework corresponds to the required engineering courses at Cornell. (For additional information, see the Information for Transfer Students flyer.)
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Does it matter to which engineering major I apply?
Absolutely! Transfer applicants to the College of Engineering are permitted to indicate a first- and second-choice major on their application, and we highly recommend that these be the two areas in which you are most interested. If you are accepted to your first-choice major, the process ends there. If not, your application will be forwarded to the faculty in your second-choice major for review. Please note that transfer students are not permitted to apply as undecided candidates, and students who are accepted to a major must remain in that major for at least one year. Because the departments make the admissions decision, you must articulate your academic interest and how it pertains to the fields you’ve selected.
When will I find out how many of my credits will transfer to Cornell?
Transfer students typically receive their credit awards during fall orientation (August) when they arrive on campus and meet with their faculty advisor for the first time. However, if you are accepted and your circumstances require that you know the status of your credit before making a final decision, a tentative credit award is available during the spring or summer, by request.
What do the Engineering faculty members look for when reviewing transfer applications?
Although the faculty will consider many things when reviewing applications for their respective departments, they will focus primarily on the content and rigor of the college-level courses that a student has completed and how well the student performed academically. At a minimum, transfer applicants should be sure that they have taken college-level courses in calculus, chemistry, physics (calculus-based), computer programming, and writing and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 (although most accepted students tend to have GPAs in the 3.5+ range). For complete details about prerequisites for each major, please see Information for Transfer Students flyer.
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Does the Engineering College require any standardized test scores of transfer applicants?
No, but we highly encourage transfer students to submit SATs, ACTs, SAT IIs, etc., with their application if they have taken them previously. Although not required, these scores may work in the students favor because faculty find them useful when reviewing applications.
Are there any special requirements for international transfer applicants?
The College of Engineering requires international students to submit a TOEFL exam score, if English is not their native language.
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Does Cornell have articulation agreements with any colleges that I should know about?
Yes, the College of Engineering has standing 3-2 agreements with both Ithaca College (NY) and Wells College (NY). In addition, the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering has specific transfer articulation agreements with the following two-year institutions: City College of San Francisco (CA), Foothill College (CA), Montgomery County Community College (PA), and Ulster County Community College (NY).
If I receive AP, transfer, or credit by examination from my current institution, will that automatically transfer to Cornell?
No. The College of Engineering has specific AP standards that will be used to evaluate transfer credit. For complete information about AP standards in the College of Engineering, please see the Engineering Advising Office page.
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If my transcript and/or course descriptions are not in English, what should I do?
If your application materials are not already in English, you must have them translated and certified as accurate before sending them to Cornell.
Are course descriptions required as part of the transfer application?
Yes, your transfer application must include complete course descriptions copied from your institution’s course catalog or syllabi for each college-level course you have taken, are in the process of taking, or for which you received AP, transfer, or college-examination credit. The descriptions should include a list of topics covered in the class and any prerequisite courses. A list of the textbooks used is also useful but not required. The faculty will use this information to compare your courses to those required by the Engineering College at Cornell. Please note that our faculty will not be able to review your application until this information is received.
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Academic and Social Life FAQ
What’s it like living in Ithaca?
Ithaca is a vibrant college town (about 30,000 full-time residents) in every sense of the word. Aside from merchants and services that cater primarily to students, Ithaca has a rich cultural life. The Cayuga Chamber Orchestra, a professional ensemble of strings and winds, offers a year-round performance calendar featuring works that range from Bach to Britten. There are also the Hangar Theater, the Ithaca Ballet, and busy concert schedules at Ithaca College and Cornell. For the outdoors enthusiast, Ithaca has several parks and gorge trails open year-round for swimming, hiking, cross-country skiing, and camping. Ithaca is located at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake, the longest of New York’s Finger Lakes, which provides a great place for water skiing, board sailing, fishing, sailing, and other water sports. If you’re a film lover, Ithaca will keep you busy with its diverse cinema offerings. There are more than 25 screens in town, several of which specialize in foreign and artistic films. And, last but not least, there are more than 75 different places to eat in Ithaca. Most of these are a short walk or bus ride from Cornell. Within a ten minute walk from campus, you’ll find Greek, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Thai, Indian, Italian, and vegetarian restaurants.
Can one socialize and keep up with schoolwork?
Absolutely! In fact, we feel that a good social life is critical to your well-being and is a crucial part of the college experience. The key is time management. Although the engineering curriculum is rigorous, our students find that by using simple organizational skills, they can maintain a good mix of school, extracurricular, and social activities.
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Can I change my major or college after I get to Cornell?
Yes. We feel that students should be able to follow their academic interests as they evolve without having to leave Cornell. There are a few rules, though. First, students must remain in the college to which they were admitted for at least two semesters. After that, an internal transfer to another college is possible, assuming the student is in good academic standing. Internal transfers are typically decided at the end of each semester by an Internal Transfer Committee made up of advisors from each of the seven undergraduate colleges. For specifics on the internal transfer process, students should consult a staff member of the advising office in their college.
What kind of academic and personal help is available to Cornell Engineering undergraduates?
The advising system in the College of Engineering has three components. Each student has a faculty advisor, at least one student peer advisor, and access to the services of the Engineering Advising Office, where professional staff advisors can provide assistance on everything from academic and personal difficulties to helping students locate research opportunities. If you have a question and are not sure where to start, the Engineering Advising Office is a good resource.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio?
In the College of Engineering, the current student-to-faculty ratio is about 12 to 1.
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Who will be teaching me in the classroom?
In the College of Engineering, faculty members deliver at least the lecture portion of every class. Although we do employ excellent graduate students and teaching assistants in the laboratories and recitation sections, you will always have access to the faculty member who is in charge of the course. This means that not only will you see him or her in class but you will also be able to visit during office hours, a few hours a week that faculty set aside for students to walk in, ask questions, etc.
How large are classes, particularly in the first year?
About 70% of all courses offered at Cornell have an enrollment of 40 students or fewer and only 8% are larger than 100 students. In general, you can expect the size of your classes to get smaller as you progress in your studies. The freshman year in Engineering tends to be a mix of larger and smaller classes. Your small classes will include: Engineering Calculus (capped at 25 to 28 students), Introduction to Engineering (four to 60 students, depending on which class you choose), First-Year Writing Seminars (capped at 17 students each), and the Engineering Advising Seminar (17 to 18 freshman students, their faculty advisor, and two to three upper-class peer advisors). The larger classes will be in general science (chemistry and physics) and the Introduction to Computer Science course required of all engineering undergrads. You can expect that the lecture portions of these classes will likely include between 100 and 150 students. It is important to remember, however, that these courses also break up into laboratory sections (12 to 15 students each) and/or recitation sections (30 to 35 students each) that meet at other times during the week, providing other opportunities to ask questions and receive clarification.
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What is the Cooperative Education Program in the College of Engineering and how does it work?
The Cooperative Education Program (Co-op for short) is a 28-week, competitively paid experience in industry as a practicing engineer. Though not required, we estimate that about 1/4 of our undergraduate engineers choose to participate in Co-op, and the program is designed so that students can complete both the Co-op and the requirements for their Bachelor of Science degree in four years. For complete information, please see the Co-op web page.
Can you double major in the College of Engineering?
Yes! Once a student declares a major (during the middle of sophomore year,) he or she can then petition to add a second major. Approximately 5% of our students will choose to complete either a double major or a dual degree (offered in conjunction with the College of Arts & Sciences). Others will take advantage of minors and options to fulfill their academic interests.
How tough is the academic pressure?
The academic pressure is different for every student at Cornell. The College of Engineering does a great job helping you navigate your undergraduate years. There are plenty of opportunities to get extra help and extra challenge for classes. The Engineering Advising Office offers help with classes, research and social challenges. This is all in addition to scheduled office hours for each course where students can receive individual attention from professors and teaching assistants. No one will tell you that four years in Cornell Engineering is easy. You will work hard from freshman year through graduation, but the pressure is only what you make it.
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How good is Cornell at helping students find internships?
The Engineering Co-Op & Career Services Office receives summer job listings all year, mostly in the spring. Jobs are posted on MonsterTrak’s Jobs & Internships Section. Additionally, some forty employers typically conduct 700 summer job interviews on campus with sophomores and juniors (and sometimes freshmen). Students may register online for on-campus recruiting with MonsterTrak/InterviewTrak through the Cornell Career Services Web page and may select up to three major fields if interdisciplinary coursework or experience have expanded their areas of expertise. Students seeking summer jobs are welcome to attend general workshops on résumés, cover letters, and the independent job search. Assistance is available to help students identify appropriate employer contacts for prospective summer employment.
What is housing like at CU?
Although no one is required to live on campus, nearly all of our freshman will opt to live on North Campus, our designated residential campus for first-year students. Housing is guaranteed for the first two years; afterwards, students enter into a lottery for housing. Many students choose to live off-campus for sophomore, junior, and senior year, so there is generally plenty of on-campus housing available for those who would like to remain in the residence halls. Students living off campus usually live in local houses or apartments or in a fraternity or sorority house.
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What is the diversity like at Cornell?
Cornell’s student body represents all 50 states, seven territories, and more than 120 different countries. Our need-blind admission policy and need-based financial aid packaging attracts students from all socioeconomic and geographic backgrounds. In fact, more than 30% of our students identify themselves as coming from a multicultural background! We understand that a substantial portion of students’ learning comes from experiences outside the classroom, and Cornell provides a wonderful environment for those experiences through our diverse student body.
What are sports and athletics like at Cornell?
Cornell offers 36 Division I varsity sports. As an Ivy League institution, we are prohibited from offering athletic scholarships. This lets our student-athletes concentrate on their academic achievements first while competing for Ivy, ECAC, and NCAA championships. In addition, Cornell offers more than 30 club sport programs and an extensive intramural program. For more general information, visit Cornell Athletics.
If you are interested in being recruited, please check Cornell Athletics for more information or contact the head coach of the sport you are interested in directly.
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Admitted Student FAQ
If I’m accepted, when do I have to decide? When is the deadline to deposit?
If you are offered admission during our Early Decision period, you must notify us and send in your deposit in early January. If you are offered admission during our regular decision period, you must notify us of your decision to accept the offer and send your deposit by the postmark deadline of May 1st.
Can I come and visit before I decide?
Visiting is not a requirement but is highly recommended, especially if you’ve been offered admission. A campus visit will allow you to see facilities and interact with current students.
Do you have an open house for admitted students?
Admitted students are invited to visit the campus in April during Cornell Days, a series of one-day, on-campus visit programs.
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Due to circumstances beyond my control, I am unable to get my deposit in by the deadline. What should I do?
Call or write to the director of admissions to explain your situation.
Do I need to submit my final grades to Cornell?
Yes. Final grades for all admitted students will be reviewed. Please ask your guidance counselor to send them to us at: Application Processing Center, 349 Pine Tree Road, Ithaca, New York 14850-2899.
How do I request a deferral on my admission?
If you've been admitted to Cornell's College of Engineering, it is possible to apply for deferred entry. The Engineering Admissions Office processes deferral requests on a case-by-case basis. Recent examples of reasons for admissions deferral requests included military service obligations, religious and research opportunities. Please refer to the Admissions Deferral page for more information.
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Financial Aid FAQ
If I’m still waiting to hear from the Office of Financial Aid, when do I need to notify Cornell about whether or not I will accept an offer of admission?
If your financial aid application is complete, your financial aid award should be sent to you a few days after you receive your acceptance letter. If your package does not arrive within a week of receiving your acceptance letter, call the Office of Financial Aid at 607-255-5145. All deposit extensions for financial aid reasons are granted by the Office of Financial Aid.
Will applying for financial aid hurt my chances for admission?
No, Cornell University practices need-blind admissions, which means your (or your parents’) ability to pay is not factored into the admissions process. Furthermore, when reviewing your application, we are not aware whether or not you are applying for financial aid. If you apply for financial aid and are admitted, the Office of Financial Aid will put together a need-based financial aid package for you. If you are applying to Early Decision, you will receive a financial aid estimate a few days after receiving your acceptance letter and an updated financial aid package in April based upon the most up-to-date tax information. If you are applying to Regular Decision, you will receive your financial aid package a few days after your acceptance letter. Please note: in order to receive your financial aid package, your financial aid paper work must be complete.
Is my financial aid award guaranteed for four years?
If you are eligible for financial aid, your family can expect a consistent financial aid package from year to year, both in terms of what you can expect in the aid award and the amount that you and your family will be expected to contribute. Some factors may affect the way your need is calculated (and thus change your award), such as changes in income, number of people in the household, or the number of children who are full-time undergraduate students.
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Does Cornell offer merit aid?
Cornell University offers financial aid solely on the basis of demonstrated financial need. We do not offer merit awards for academic, athletic, musical, or other talents.
We do have selective Cornell Commitment programs that recognize, reward, and encourage further development of a select group of students who exemplify Cornell's commitment to academic excellence, work and service, research and discovery, and leadership and learning, and in so doing, enrich their experience at Cornell and beyond. There is a need-based component offered with the programs.
What happens if I receive an outside scholarship?
Outside scholarships and tuition benefits reduce the self-help component (loans and work-study) of your financial aid package. If you do not have loans and work study remaining in your package, we will reduce the amount of university grant you receive. Outside awards do not reduce your parent's contribution. As the Office of Financial Aid is notified of outside sources of assistance, they adjust your need-based financial aid.
Who is eligible to receive financial aid?
At Cornell, financial aid is available to undergraduate students who are citizens of the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. If you are a permanent U.S. resident, you are also eligible for financial aid. There is also limited financial aid for international students.
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Waitlist FAQ How large is the waitlist?
The size of the waitlist varies from year to year and is determined by size of the applicant pool. Our goal is to build a waitlist that will allow us to fill remaining spots available in our entering class, whether that number is five or 75.
Is the waiting list ranked?
No, the waitlist is not ranked. We use past reviews of applications to determine which students we will select from the waiting list.
When should I expect to hear if I will be offered admission from the waitlist?
We make every effort to notify students as soon after the May 1st response deadline as possible. The process usually begins in the second or third week of May and continues—until all spots in the class are filled—through the end of June. You will be informed around the end of June or beginning of July when the waitlist is no longer needed, meaning all spots in the entering class of engineers have been filled. You should then plan to attend any college or university to which you’ve been accepted and consider the option of transferring to Cornell Engineering after a year or two.
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Is there anything that I can do to enhance my chances of being taken off the waitlist?
When you have new information that you believe will be valuable in our review of your credentials, you should feel free to send it to us by mail, e-mail, or fax. Examples might be a new award received at the end of the year or your most recent grades.
My friend who applied to Arts & Sciences has been taken off the waitlist. Why have I not heard anything?
Cornell has seven undergraduate colleges, each with an individual class enrollment size. Students are admitted to a particular college, and it is true that some students may hear about use of the waitlist before others.
If I am offered a spot from the waitlist, will financial aid still be available?
Yes. If you are offered admission from the waitlist, your application for financial aid will be reviewed as all others are reviewed to determine the amount of need. A package will then be put together, and you should receive official correspondence from the Financial Aid Office soon thereafter.
If I am offered a spot, will housing still be available?
Yes. 99% of our freshman live in on-campus housing. When offering spots to students from our waiting list, we are filling actual spots in our entering freshman class—and housing is available to students at that point.
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PreFreshman Summer Program FAQ What is the PreFreshman Summer Program (PSP)?
The PreFreshman Summer Program is an educational opportunity for selected admitted students from the College of Engineering and Cornell’s six other undergraduate colleges. Selected students spend six weeks on the Cornell campus—from late June through early August—living and learning in the collegiate environment. Students take three courses during their tenure, and most report the program makes a tremendous difference in their successful transition into the academic and living community in the subsequent fall semester.
How are the students selected for PSP?
As admission officers read applications, they also consider students for the PSP. Every applicant considered for admission is considered for the PSP. Students are selected for many reasons but mostly to gain needed coursework or an introduction to the rigor and pace of the collegiate learning environment. More specifically, PSP selection is based on a thorough application review with consideration given to the strength and success of a student’s high school academic experience and test scores, the student’s intended course of study when compared with high school preparation, and the student’s personal background. Some students offered admission to Cornell Engineering will be required to attend PSP; others may be invited to participate in the program pending the determination of availability of space.
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