Cornell University
Cornell University at a Glance
Average SAT & ACT Scores for Cornell University
| Test | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile | Midpoint |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Reading | 720 | 770 | 745 |
| SAT Math | 760 | 790 | 775 |
| SAT Total | 1480 | 1560 | 1520 |
| ACT Composite | 33 | 35 | 34 |
Admissions Funnel
| Applications Received | 65,635 |
| Students Admitted | 5,358 |
| Students Enrolled | 3,537 |
| Yield Rate | 66.0% |
Cornell University Rankings
| Ranking | 2025 | Year |
|---|---|---|
| US News National Universities | #12 | 2025 |
| QS World University Rankings | #16 | 2025 |
| THE World University Rankings | #20 | 2025 |
| ARWU (Shanghai) | #12 | 2024 |
Show 10-Year US News Ranking History
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #15 | #15 | #14 | #16 | #17 | #18 | #17 | #17 | #12 | #12 |
US News National Universities: #15 (2016) → #12 (2025) ↑ 3 spots
Cornell University Overview
Cornell University is a private university in Ithaca, NY with 26,510 students. With a 8.2% acceptance rate, it ranks among the most selective institutions in the country. The most popular majors are Computer Science, Business/Marketing, and Engineering.
| Full Name | Cornell University |
| Location | Ithaca, NY 14853 |
| Type | Private |
| Website | cornell.edu/ |
| Total Enrollment | 26,510 |
| Undergrad Enrollment | 16,040 |
| Female Students | 54.3% |
Is Cornell University a Reach, Match, or Safety?
With an acceptance rate of 8.2%, Cornell University is a Reach for most applicants. You'll need a standout application — strong GPA, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays — to have realistic odds here.
| Your Profile | Cornell University Is... | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Above-average GPA + strong application | Match | Apply — worth the effort |
| Average GPA, some strengths | Reach | Apply, but have 2-3 backup schools |
| Below-average GPA | Hard Reach | Consider similar schools with higher acceptance rates |
Popular Majors at Cornell University
The most popular fields of study, ranked by the number of degrees awarded.
Student Demographics
How to Get Into Cornell University
Cornell is a Reach school for nearly all applicants. Competitive applicants typically score 1520+ on the SAT. Beyond grades and scores, Cornell wants to see intellectual curiosity, leadership, and a clear sense of purpose in your application. Have 2-3 realistic backup schools — even perfect-on-paper students get denied here.
What Cornell University Values Most in Applicants
Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.
| Factor | Importance |
|---|---|
| Academic Gpa | Very Important |
| Rigor Of Secondary School Record | Very Important |
| Class Rank | Important |
| Standardized Test Scores | Important |
| Application Essay | Very Important |
| Recommendation | Very Important |
| Extracurricular Activities | Very Important |
| Talent Ability | Important |
| Character Personal Qualities | Very Important |
| First Generation | Considered |
| Alumni Relation | Considered |
| Interview | Considered |
| Work Experience | Considered |
| Volunteer Work | Considered |
Cornell University Application Deadlines & Requirements
Key dates for the Cornell University ED admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.
| Deadline | Date |
|---|---|
| Early Decision | Nov 1 |
| Regular Decision | Jan 2 |
| Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS) | Feb 15 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Cornell University
More About Cornell University
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Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS. Cornell University is not affiliated with DeepColleges.