UNIVERSITY · CDS 2022-2023
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 15,735 undergrad Updated 2026-04-22
Ivy+Specialized Schools
Accept
7.3%
Yield
67.6%
Test
Optional
Academic Profile · CDS C9 / C11
The numbers a parent will ask about first.
SAT Total (mid 50%, computed)
1460–1570
SAT EBRW (mid 50%)
710–770
SAT Math (mid 50%)
750–800
ACT Composite (mid 50%)
33–35
GPA
Not reported
GPA NOTECornell does not report GPA of enrolled students, but 82% were in the top tenth of their high school graduating class.
METHODTotal SAT range is computed by summing the reported EBRW and Math mid-50% ranges from the school’s CDS (Section C9). Use as an approximation — a student’s actual total places them within, not at, the summed endpoints.
Decision Plans · CDS C1 / C21
When and how the school reads applicants.
| Plan | Deadline | Accept rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ED | Nov 1 | 19.2% | ED: Nov 1, ~19.2% accept |
| RD | Jan 2 | — | RD: Jan 2, NR |
Cost & Aid · CDS H Series
What it costs and what families actually pay.
Tuition
$73,946
Total COA
$99,734
Avg need-based aid
$59,302
Avg merit award
None
Net price after avg need aid
$40,432
Cornell meets 100% of demonstrated need on average.
ImportantCornell does not award non-need merit scholarships. All institutional aid is need-based. Use this honestly with families: a strong applicant here gets in, but the price is set by the FAFSA/CSS, not by stats.
AP Impact Calculator
What the student's APs are actually worth here.
Cornell's AP Policy
Cornell awards AP credit for scores of 4 or 5 on most exams, but policies vary by college. Credit can be used to satisfy distribution requirements and/or as elective credits, but generally not for major requirements. A maximum of 15 credits from AP exams can be applied.
Min score
4
Credit cap
15 credits
Mode
Credit + placement
Per-score grid
Exam-level
Add the student's APs
No APs selected. Click Add AP exam to start, or use the sample profile to see what a strong student might recover.
What They Value · CDS C7
Every CDS factor, weighted exactly as the admissions office files it.
- Rigor of secondary school recordVery Important
- Class rankImportant
- Academic GPAVery Important
- Standardized test scoresImportant
- Application EssayVery Important
- Recommendation(s)Very Important
Mission & Narrative
What this school says it is — in their own words.
Cornell’s mission is to discover, preserve and disseminate knowledge, to educate the next generation of global citizens, and to promote a culture of broad inquiry throughout and beyond the Cornell community. Cornell also aims, through public service, to enhance the lives and livelihoods of students, the people of New York and others around the world.
Distilled Themes
Exemplary comprehensive research universityOpen, collaborative, and innovative cultureDiversity and inclusionVibrant rural and urban campusesPublic engagement
The Coach's Read
What 'what they value' actually means at the table.
- 01Cornell values students who are intellectually curious and have a strong sense of purpose.
- 02They seek individuals who will contribute to their community and make a positive impact on the world.
- 03Cornell appreciates applicants who have challenged themselves academically and have a demonstrated passion for learning.
- 04They are looking for students who are not just academically strong, but also possess strong character and personal qualities.
Application Targets
What a strong application here should signal.
- 01Demonstrate a strong academic foundation with a challenging curriculum and high GPA.
- 02Write a compelling application essay that showcases your unique voice and personality.
- 03Secure strong letters of recommendation from teachers who know you well.
- 04Highlight your engagement in extracurricular activities that align with your interests and demonstrate leadership potential.
Quiet Disqualifiers
Things that hurt applicants here, even when they look fine on paper.
- Submitting a generic application that doesn't show genuine interest in Cornell's specific programs
- Failing to articulate a clear sense of purpose or direction in your application
- Having a weak academic record without showing an upward trend
- Neglecting to proofread your application for errors
Signature Programs
Where this school is genuinely best-in-class.
Computer ScienceEngineeringHotel AdministrationAgriculture and Life SciencesArchitectureBusiness
Application calendar
Every date the family needs to know.
Deadlines & Decision Dates · 2025-2026
Family deadline matrix
Plan
Deadline
Decision release
Early Decision I
Binding
Nov 1, 2025
→ Dec 15, 2025
Regular Decision
Non-binding
Decision release is late March.
Jan 2, 2026
→ Mar 31, 2026
Early Decision II
Not offered
—
Early Action
Not offered
—
Restrictive Early Action
Not offered
—
Rolling Admission
Not offered
—
See every school side-by-side on the Deadline Tracker →
CDS C7 · Level of applicant's interest
Does effort toward this school move the needle?
Demonstrated Interest·CDS C7 (2024-2025)
TrackedWeight: Considered
Cornell's official policy states they do not track interest, but their CDS indicates it is 'Considered', so a strong 'Why Cornell' essay is still important.
What they watch
- “Why us” essay specificity
- Supplement specificity
Coach action
Write a strong 'Why Cornell' essay that details your specific interest in the school's programs and opportunities.
Provenance