With an Ivy League reputation and unique colleges that specialize in various fields, Cornell University is a dream school for many applicants. But getting accepted into Cornell is highly competitive, with some colleges having acceptance rates under 10%.
In short, the Cornell schools with the lowest acceptance rates are College of Arts and Sciences (7.9%), College of Engineering (18%), School of Hotel Administration (13%), and Contract Colleges like Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management (19.9%).
Read on for a deep dive into Cornell’s acceptance rates for each undergraduate college from 2015-2021.
Cornell University Overview
Cornell University is a prestigious institution located in Ithaca, New York. Established in 1865, it is widely recognized for its exceptional academic programs, distinguished faculty, and beautiful campus.
With a strong emphasis on research and innovation, Cornell offers a wide range of academic opportunities for students.
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Ivy League School
Cornell University is a member of the Ivy League, a group of eight elite universities known for their academic excellence and rich history. Being part of the Ivy League places Cornell in a league of its own, allowing it to attract top-tier faculty and students from around the world.
The Ivy League schools are widely regarded as some of the best institutions of higher education in the United States.
Specialized Undergraduate Colleges
One of the unique aspects of Cornell University is its system of specialized undergraduate colleges. These colleges focus on specific academic disciplines, providing students with a more focused and tailored education.
The seven undergraduate colleges at Cornell include the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Engineering, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and more. Each college has its own set of admission requirements and academic programs, allowing students to pursue their interests and passions in a supportive and specialized environment.
For example, the College of Engineering at Cornell is renowned for its cutting-edge research and innovative programs. It offers a wide range of engineering disciplines, including mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science.
Students in the College of Engineering have the opportunity to work alongside world-class faculty and participate in groundbreaking research projects.
Another notable undergraduate college at Cornell is the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. This college focuses on agricultural sciences, environmental studies, and life sciences. Students in this college have access to state-of-the-art facilities and opportunities for hands-on learning in fields such as animal science, plant biology, and sustainable agriculture.
Cornell’s specialized undergraduate colleges provide students with a unique educational experience that combines academic rigor with specialized training in their chosen field. This allows students to develop a deep understanding of their subject matter and prepares them for successful careers in their respective industries.
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Cornell’s Overall Acceptance Rate
When it comes to gaining admission to Cornell University, one of the Ivy League schools, the overall acceptance rate is an important factor to consider. The acceptance rate is the percentage of applicants who are admitted into the university out of the total number of applicants.
Let’s take an in-depth look at Cornell’s overall acceptance rate and how it has evolved over the years.
Total Applicants Each Year
Every year, Cornell University receives a high volume of applications from prospective students. The total number of applicants varies from year to year, reflecting the competitiveness and popularity of the university.
In recent years, Cornell has consistently received tens of thousands of applications, making the admissions process highly selective.
For example, in the previous academic year, Cornell received over 50,000 applications for undergraduate programs. This shows the immense interest and demand for a Cornell education. With such a large pool of applicants, the competition for admission becomes fierce, and the acceptance rate becomes even more significant.
Historical Acceptance Rates
Over the years, Cornell’s acceptance rate has varied, reflecting the university’s changing admissions policies and the quality of the applicant pool. It’s important to note that acceptance rates can differ between different schools within Cornell, as each school has its own admissions process and criteria.
Historically, Cornell’s overall acceptance rate has hovered around the low teens, typically ranging from 9% to 15%. However, it’s essential to understand that acceptance rates can fluctuate from year to year, and they can differ significantly between different schools and programs.
For example, the acceptance rate for Cornell’s College of Engineering may be lower than the acceptance rate for the College of Arts and Sciences.
It’s worth mentioning that while the acceptance rate is an essential factor to consider, it should not be the sole determining factor in your college application process. Admissions decisions are based on a holistic review of each applicant’s academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, personal essays, recommendation letters, and other factors.
So, even if the acceptance rate seems dauntingly low, don’t let it discourage you from applying to Cornell or any other university that aligns with your academic and personal goals.
College of Arts and Sciences Acceptance Rates
Overview of Arts and Sciences
The College of Arts and Sciences at Cornell University is the largest undergraduate college on campus and offers a wide range of academic disciplines. Students in this college have the opportunity to explore various fields of study, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and more.
The College of Arts and Sciences prides itself on its diverse and inclusive community, fostering an environment where students can pursue their passions and engage in rigorous academic pursuits.
Annual Acceptance Rates
When it comes to acceptance rates, the College of Arts and Sciences at Cornell University is highly competitive. Each year, thousands of students apply for admission, but only a limited number are accepted.
The acceptance rate can vary from year to year, but it is generally lower than the university’s overall acceptance rate.
According to recent data, the acceptance rate for the College of Arts and Sciences at Cornell University is around 7.9%.
It is important to note that acceptance rates can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the number of applicants, the strength of the applicant pool, and the specific program or major within the College of Arts and Sciences.
Some programs may have more competitive acceptance rates than others, so it is essential for prospective students to research and understand the specific requirements and expectations of their intended major.
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College of Engineering Acceptance Rates
Engineering Academics at Cornell
The College of Engineering at Cornell University is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and cutting-edge research. With a wide range of engineering disciplines to choose from, students have the opportunity to explore their interests and gain valuable skills in their chosen field.
The college offers undergraduate and graduate programs, allowing students to pursue their educational goals at various levels. The faculty members are experts in their respective fields and provide students with a supportive learning environment.
Acceptance Rates by Year
The acceptance rates for the College of Engineering at Cornell University can vary from year to year. It’s important to note that these rates are competitive, as Cornell is a highly selective institution.
However, the acceptance rates for the College of Engineering have generally remained consistent over the years, reflecting the high standards and quality of applicants.
According to the data available, the acceptance rate for the College of Engineering at Cornell University for the most recent year was around 18%. This means that out of thousands of applicants, only a small percentage were admitted into the program.
It’s worth noting that the acceptance rate can vary depending on the specific engineering discipline and the number of available spots in each program.
To get a better understanding of the acceptance rates, let’s compare the acceptance rates for the College of Engineering at Cornell University over the past five years:
| Year | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 12% |
| 2019 | 11% |
| 2018 | 10% |
| 2017 | 11% |
| 2016 | 12% |
As you can see, the acceptance rates have remained relatively stable over the years, indicating the consistent competitiveness of the College of Engineering at Cornell University.
It’s important to keep in mind that acceptance rates can be influenced by various factors, including the number of applicants, the strength of the applicant pool, and the available resources and facilities.
Therefore, while acceptance rates provide some insight into the competitiveness of the College of Engineering at Cornell University, they should not be the sole determinant of your decision to apply or pursue a degree in engineering.
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Acceptance Rates for Other Undergraduate Colleges
School of Hotel Administration
The School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University is renowned for its excellence in hospitality management education. With a competitive application process, the acceptance rate for this prestigious school is notably lower compared to other undergraduate colleges at Cornell.
In recent years, the acceptance rate has hovered around 13%, making it one of the most selective programs at the university.
Applicants to the School of Hotel Administration are evaluated based on their academic achievements, leadership potential, work experience, and passion for the hospitality industry. The program seeks to admit students who demonstrate a strong commitment to service, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the field of hospitality.
College of Architecture, Art, and Planning
The College of Architecture, Art, and Planning at Cornell University offers programs in architecture, fine arts, and urban planning. The acceptance rate for this college is also highly competitive, typically around 10.25% depending on the year.
Prospective students applying to the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning are evaluated based on their artistic talent, academic achievements, and potential for creative and critical thinking. The college seeks individuals who are passionate about shaping the built environment, exploring innovative design solutions, and making a positive impact through their work.
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell University is renowned for its programs in agriculture, environmental sciences, and life sciences. With a diverse range of majors and research opportunities, CALS attracts a large number of applicants each year.
While CALS has a higher acceptance rate compared to the School of Hotel Administration and the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning, it still maintains a competitive admission process. The acceptance rate for CALS is around 11.5% reflecting the high caliber of applicants and the limited number of available spots.
Prospective students applying to CALS are evaluated based on their academic achievements, commitment to the field of agriculture or life sciences, and potential for future contributions to the industry.
The college values students who are enthusiastic about addressing global challenges related to food security, sustainability, and human health.
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School of Industrial and Labor Relations
The School of Industrial and Labor Relations (ILR) at Cornell University is dedicated to the study of workplace dynamics, employment relations, and labor policy. The ILR program seeks to admit students who are interested in understanding and shaping the world of work.
The acceptance rate for the School of Industrial and Labor Relations is typically around 16.5%, making it a competitive program within Cornell University. Prospective students applying to ILR are evaluated based on their academic achievements, leadership potential, and commitment to social justice and labor issues.
ILR values students who are passionate about improving workplace conditions, fostering positive employee-employer relationships, and advocating for fair labor practices. The program offers a unique interdisciplinary curriculum that combines social sciences, economics, and law to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the labor market.
Conclusion
As an Ivy League school with esteemed programs, Cornell’s acceptance rates are quite selective across all its colleges. The schools with the lowest admit rates are Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Hotel Administration, and Contract Colleges like Dyson.
While admission to Cornell is highly competitive, understanding historical acceptance rates by college can help applicants set realistic expectations. With stellar academics and extracurriculars, being accepted into a Cornell program is an achievable dream for prospective students.
