First-Year Applicants

Students enrolled in high school, but who have not yet received a high school diploma or GED,  are considered first-year applicants. Additionally, students who graduated from high school but have earned fewer than 12 credits at a different college or university are considered first-year applicants.
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Page Contents
  1. What you need to apply as a first-year applicant
  2. Key Dates and Deadlines
  3. Early Decision
  4. Regular Decision
  5. Waitlisted
  6. What does this mean ?
  7. What should I do ?

Which Type of First-Year Applicant Are You?

There are different applications deadlines for domestic and international applicants.

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    Domestic Applicants

    Students who hold one of the following U.S. citizenship or residency statuses: U.S. citizenship, U.S./dual citizenship, approved permanent residency, undocumented students with and without DACA.

  • Cornell's 2nd annual Digital Agriculture Hackathon drew more than 150 students, who worked together to brainstorm solutions for some of the world's most pressing problems.

    International Applicants

    Students who are not U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, or do not have refugee/asylee status. U.S. citizens who are living abroad or applicants who have dual U.S. citizenship are not considered international students.

What you need to apply as a first-year applicant:

  1. Completed Application

    Must be completed and submitted through the Common Application.

  2. $80 Application Fee or Fee Waiver

    To submit fee or request a fee waiver, follow the instructions on the application.

  3. Cornell Engineering Supplemental Essays

    All applicants are required to write supplemental essays specific to Cornell Engineering. These will be an essential part of your application. We want you to express your interest in engineering, and Cornell Engineering specifically, but also to share important information about yourself that will allow the admissions committee to learn more about you.

  4. Two Teacher Recommendations

    One recommendation must be from a math, science, or computer science teacher.

    The second recommendation may be from a teacher instructing a subject of your choice. If you are an international or ESL student, we strongly encourage that the second recommendation be from a teacher who can directly address your English proficiency.

    We suggest giving your teachers at least one month to write the letters and be sure they know you and your work well.

  5. Proof of English Language Proficiency (if required)

    A note about English Language Proficiency testing requirements for international applicants: All Cornell students must have a strong command of the English language to be successful in their engagement in their university studies. English proficiency can be demonstrated by one of the following methods:

    • You are a U.S. Citizen/Permanent Resident.
    • English is your native language.
    • English has been the primary language of instruction throughout your secondary school career.

    Applicants who do not meet one of these criteria are required to submit an English proficiency exam score from the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test. Score requirements for admissions consideration to be most competitive in our review process include a minimum of 100 on the TOEFL internet-based exam, a minimum of 7.5 on the IELTS, or a minimum of 130 on the Duolingo English Test. We will accept self-reported TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores from the Common Application.

    You may also self-report new or updated scores on Cornell’s English Language Proficiency Form which will be available in your applicant portal once you become an applicant.  Should you be admitted to and enrolled at Cornell, we will require official test scores sent from the testing agency at that time.

  6. Secondary School Reports

    This includes your guidance counselor recommendation, school profile, and official transcript. These items are submitted by your guidance counselor.

  7. Senior Year Grade Report

    We strongly recommend that students provide a current senior year grade report.

    For early decision, this is a quarter-year report.

    For regular decision, this is a mid-year report.

    If you are admitted to Cornell Engineering, you will need to submit your final grade report.

Supplemental Essay Topics

Instructions: All engineering applicants are required to write two long essays and four short essays.

Long Essay Responses (200 word limit each)

  1. Fundamentally, engineering is the application of math, science, and technology to solve complex problems. Why do you want to study engineering?
  2. Why do you think you would love to study at Cornell Engineering?

Short Answer Responses (100 word limit each)

  1. What brings you joy?
  2. What do you believe you will contribute to the Cornell Engineering community beyond what you’ve already detailed in your application? What unique voice will you bring?
  3. What is one activity, club, team, organization, work/volunteer experience or family responsibility that is especially meaningful to you? Please briefly tell us about its significance for you.
  4. What is one award you have received or achievement you have attained that has meant the most to you? Please briefly describe its importance to you. 

Key Dates and Deadlines

You have the choice to apply Early Decision or Regular Decision, which operate on different schedules as detailed below.

Early Decision is an excellent option if you know that Cornell Engineering is definitely your top choice. By applying Early Decision, you make a binding agreement to enroll if admitted and the financial aid package meets your needs.

Early Decision

  • Application Deadline

    November 1

  • Financial Aid Application Deadline

    International Applicants

    November 1

    Domestic Applicants

    November 21

  • Quarter-year Report Due (recommended)

    As soon as it becomes available

  • Admissions Decision Released

    Mid-December

Regular Decision

  • Application Deadline

    January 2

  • Financial Aid Application Deadline

    International Applicants

    January 2

    Domestic Applicants

    February 15

  • Mid-Year Report Due

    Mid-February

  • Admissions Decision Released

    Early April