Cornell University acceptance rate has shown a gradual decline in recent years. As a member of the Ivy League in the United States, Cornell University in Ithaca, New York has always attracted applicants from all over the world with its world-class academic standards and diverse campus culture. Cornell University is one of the most selective universities in the United States, which, coupled with changes in standardized test requirements and a surge in applications in recent years, has made the decline in acceptance rates even more pronounced. In terms of international students, the Cornell acceptance rate is slightly lower than the overall acceptance rate, which also reflects the need for international students to demonstrate a stronger overall ability to compete. This article will explore all aspects of the acceptance rate at Cornell University, including trends, the latest data, factors that influence acceptance rates, and insights into the admissions process to provide you with a full range of references and guidance to help you fully prepare for your application.
Cornell University Acceptance Rate Trends
Recent Cornell University Acceptance Rate Data
| Cornell University Overall Acceptance Rate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Class | Overall Application Received | Overall Application Accepted | Acceptace Rate |
| Class of 2028 | ~68,000 | 5,139 | ~7.5% |
| Class of 2027 | 67,846 | 4,994 | 7.36% |
| Class of 2026 | 71,164 | 4,908 | 6.90% |
| Class of 2025 | 67,380 | 5,852 | 8.69% |
| Class of 2024 | 51,485 | 5,496 | 10.67% |
Cornell acceptance rate has seen fluctuations over the years, reflecting the increasing competitiveness of university admissions. For the Class of 2027, Cornell received 67,846 applications and accepted 4,994 students, resulting in an acceptance rate of 7.36%. This marked a slight increase from the previous year’s Cornell admit rate of 6.9% for the Class of 2026, which had 71,164 applicants and 4,908 admissions. For the Cornell acceptance rate of 2028 Class, it is at around 7.5%, which means that among the estimated 68,000 applications, only 5,139 students has been admitted. Based on the last five years of data, Cornell University acceptance rates have hovered between 6% and 10%, indicating a trend of growing selectivity.
Factors Influencing Cornell Acceptance Rate
1. Increasing number of applicants: As more students recognize Cornell’s academic reputation, the applicant pool grows. The increasing number of applications each year intensifies competition, leading to lower acceptance rates.
2. Standardized test policy adjustment: Standardized test options implemented since the pandemic have allowed more students to try to apply to top universities.
3. Class size limitations: Cornell aims to maintain a manageable student-to-faculty ratio, which limits the number of students admitted each year. This commitment to quality education impacts the overall acceptance rate.
4. Comprehensive admission process: Cornell University uses a comprehensive review process that considers not only academic performance, but also extracurricular activities, personal essays, and letters of recommendation. This comprehensive evaluation can influence Cornell acceptance rate based on the quality of applicants.
5. Diversity Goals: Cornell is committed to fostering a diverse student body and seeks to recruit students from diverse backgrounds, including geographical, ethnic, economic, etc., which influences admissions decisions and also helps to increase selectivity throughout the process.
Cornell ED Acceptance Rate
What is Cornell ED Acceptance Rate?
The Cornell ED acceptance rate, also known as the Cornell Early Decision acceptance rate, is an admit rate under Cornell University’s early admission policy. The policy allows applicants to submit applications at the end of the fall semester and receive early admission results. This approach is suitable for students who clearly choose Cornell as your first choice, and it has a certain effect on acceptance rates. The Cornell ED admission rate is generally higher than regular decision (RD) acceptance rate.
Recent Cornell ED Acceptance Rate Data
| Cornell Early Decision Acceptance Rate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Class | ED Application Received | ED Application Received | ED Acceptance Rate |
| Class of 2028 | ~9,520 | ~1,736 | ~18.2% |
| Class of 2027 | 9,515 | 1,670 | 17.55% |
| Class of 2026 | 9,555 | 1,831 | 19.16% |
| Class of 2025 | 9,017 | 1,930 | 21.40% |
| Class of 2024 | 6,615 | 1,576 | 23.82% |
| Class of 2023 | 6,195 | 1,395 | 22.65% |
| Class of 2022 | 6,319 | 1,533 | 24.26% |
| Class of 2021 | 5,384 | 1,378 | 25.59% |
| Class of 2020 | 4,866 | 1,200 | 25.69% |
| Class of 2019 | 4,560 | 1,196 | 26.23% |
From Class of 2019 to Class of 2028, we can easily notice that the number of applicants choosing Cornell early decision application has been nearly doubled, which is from 4,560 to around 9,520, showing the the fierce competition for Cornell University ED application. However, the Cornell early decision acceptance rate has decreased from 26.23% for Class of 2019 to 18.2% for Class of 2028, reflecting the increasing difficulty of entering Cornell University, and showing that Cornell University is very selective when admitting students.
Over the past 10 years, the Cornell University acceptance rate for Early Decision has dropped from 24% to 18% averagely, however, it is still significantly higher than the Cornell Regular decision acceptance rate in the single digits. So, if you know that Cornell is your dream school, or that you will absolutely enroll if you get in, Cornell Early Decision application is your best choice.
Cornell RD Acceptance Rate
Recent Cornell RD Acceptance Rate
| Cornell Regular Decision Acceptance Rate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Class | RD Application Received | RD Application Accepted | RD Acceptance Rate |
| Class of 2028 | ~58,480 | ~3,403 | ~5.8% |
| Class of 2027 | 58,331 | 3,324 | 5.70% |
| Class of 2026 | 61,609 | 3,077 | 4.99% |
| Class of 2025 | 58,363 | 3,922 | 6.72% |
| Class of 2024 | 44,870 | 3,920 | 8.74% |
| Class of 2023 | 42,959 | 3,788 | 8.82% |
| Class of 2022 | 45,009 | 3,755 | 8.34% |
| Class of 2021 | 41,654 | 4,511 | 10.83% |
| Class of 2020 | 40,100 | 5,027 | 12.54% |
| Class of 2019 | 37,107 | 5,034 | 13.57% |
According to the statistics of Cornell RD acceptance rate, easpecially the recent 5 year, the admitted rate of Cornell regular application round is low to around 6%.
The Overall Cornell University acceptance rate of the 2028 Class is about 7.5%, yet the RD Cornell admit rate is 5.8%. In Class of 2028’s Regular Decision application round, there were around 58,480 applicants, but only 3,403 gained the offer from Cornell University.
For Class of 2026, the number of applicants is 61,609, reaching the highest point in nearly a decade, however, there were only 3,077 students admitted to Cornell University, and the Cornell acceptance rate of regular decision application dropped to 4.99%, which is the lowest RD admit rate in the 10 years.
Cornell Regular Decision acceptance rate, Compared to Cornell University Early Decision acceptance rate, is significantly lower because this segment has the largest number of applicants and the number of places is limited, reflecting the increased competition among RD applicants. Students who choose Cornell’s RD application need to show more outstanding comprehensive competitiveness in your application materials to cope with the higher intensity of competition.
Cornell University Acceptance Rate by Major
Cornell acceptance rate can vary significantly by major. For example, Cornell Engineering acceptance rate and Cornell Architecture acceptance rate are often lower compared to less competitive majors. This trend reflects the demand for specific fields of study and the qualifications required for admission. The choice of major has a significant impact on admission, and students should choose according to your interests and advantages. Here are Cornell admission statistics for some of the most popular major in Cornell University:
Cornell Engineering Acceptance Rate
| Cornell Engineering Acceptance Rate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Applicants | Acceptances | Acceptance Rate |
| 2024 | 18,501 | 1,246 | 7% |
| 2023 | 18,096 | 1,335 | 7% |
| 2022 | 19,997 | 1,223 | 6% |
| 2021 | 17,350 | 1,390 | 8% |
| 2020 | 13,963 | 1,287 | 9% |
| 2019 | 12,314 | 1,297 | 11% |
| 2018 | 13,234 | 1,247 | 9% |
Cornell CALS Acceptance Rate
| Cornell CALS Acceptance Rate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Applicants | Acceptances | Acceptance Rate |
| 2024 | 6,320 | 916 | 14% |
| 2023 | 6,290 | 892 | 14% |
| 2022 | 6,990 | 900 | 13% |
| 2021 | 6,679 | 820 | 12% |
| 2020 | 5,349 | 790 | 15% |
| 2019 | 6,999 | 797 | 11% |
| 2018 | 7070 | 812 | 11% |
Cornell Architecture Acceptance Rate
| Cornell Architecture Acceptance Rate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Applicants | Acceptances | Acceptance Rate |
| 2024 | 1,947 | 176 | 9% |
| 2023 | 1,857 | 176 | 9% |
| 2022 | 2,211 | 179 | 8% |
| 2021 | 1,977 | 191 | 10% |
| 2020 | 1,469 | 182 | 12% |
| 2019 | 1,453 | 149 | 10% |
| 2018 | 1,369 | 156 | 11% |
Cornell University Acceptance Rate of International Students
| Cornell University Acceptance Rate for International Students | |
|---|---|
| Particulars | Amount/Percentage |
| International Student Applicants | 16,893 |
| International Student Acceptances | 478 |
| International Student Enrollments | 358 |
| International Student Acceptance Rate | 2.80% |
Cornell University has always been committed to internationalization and actively recruit international students. For 2024 Cornell University admission, there are total 16,839 international students submit applications. Among them, 478 students got the offer from Cornell University, and the acceptance rate at Cornell University for international student reached 2.8%, which shows generally competitive, reflecting the high calibre of applicants from around the world.
Cornell University Class Profile: Class of 2028
Cornell University Demographics of the Class of 2028
| Cornell University Demographics of the Class of 2028 | |
|---|---|
| Ethnicity/Race | Rate |
| White | 47.40% |
| Asian | 36.50% |
| Hispanic | 10.50% |
| Black | 7.70% |
| American Indian | 1.00% |
| Hawaiian/PI | 0.40% |
Note: The racial data is based on self-identification. As students can select multiple categories, the sum of the demographic percentages in the table is above 100%.
Entry Requirements for Cornell University
1. Academic Performance: A strong GPA, typically above 3.9, is expected, with many admitted students having GPAs closer to 4.0.
2. Standardized Test Scores: While Cornell has adopted a test-optional policy, SAT/ACT scores are still an important reference. So submitting SAT or ACT scores can enhance an application. The median SAT scores range for admitted students is generally between 1480 and 1550.
3. Extracurricular Involvement: Demonstrated leadership, social impact, and involvement in extracurricular activities are crucial components of a competitive application.
4. Personal Essays and Letters of Recommendation: Applicants must submit personal essays and letters of recommendation that demonstrate the applicant’s character, interests, and goals, and showing you are fit with Cornell.
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Final Thoughts on Cornell University Acceptance Rate
Cornell acceptance rate dropped from 10.67% in 2020 to 7.5% in 2024, a significant change that underscores the intense competition for applications. But it also reflects Cornell University’s status as one of the most prestigious institutions in the United States. In a highly competitive admissions process, prospective students must demonstrate excellent academic performance, as well as well-rounded development and a compelling personal narrative. By understanding the trends and influencing factors of Cornell University admission rate, planning properly and using resources wisely, applicants can stand out from the fierce competition and realize your dreams.
FAQs on Cornell University Acceptance Rate
What is the Cornell acceptance rate?
Cornell acceptance rate in recent 5 years is around 6% to 10%. According to the latest statistics, Cornell University admission rate of Class of 2028 is 7.5%.
What GPA do you need to get into Cornell?
In order to receive the offer from Cornell University, students should have a 3.9 GPA or even close to 4.0. Besides, getting a SAT score over 1480 will increase your competitiveness.
What percentage of admissions are legacy Cornell?
Roughly 15% of the students in the Class of 2028 at Cornell University were legacies, reflecting that acknowledging your legacy status can be a positive factor during Cornell admission process, and may get a degree of preference.
What day is Cornell ED released?
According to the latest information on Cornell University website, Cornell University early decision admission results for ED candidates are released in mid-December each year.
When does Cornell RD come out?
According to the Cornell University website, Cornell regular decision admission results are released in late March each year.
How many applicants apply to Cornell?
For the Class of 2028, there are around 68,000 undergraduates applying to Cornell University. Howvwer, the applicants for the Class of 2026 reach the top point in recent five years, with 71,164 applications were submitted to Cornell University admissions team.
Can we go Cornell undecided and then do CS?
Yes, you can start at Cornell University as an undeclared student and then switch to Computer Science (CS). All students start out as undeclared or “unaffiliated” in each Cornell colleges, even if they expressed interest in a specific major during the admissions process. However, in sophomore year, students need to affiliate with a major. So if you are interested in Computer Science, you can apply to reassign to Cornell CS during your sophomore year. Cornell students can choose and change majors freely, and even can change multiple times.
