How to Prepare in High School

The Cornell Engineering curriculum is rigorous, and the best way to prepare for it is to increasingly challenge yourself in high school, particularly in math and science courses.

Required and Recommended Coursework

Cornell Engineering requires – or recommends, if noted – the completion of the following math and sciences classes prior to high school graduation. A unit is equivalent to one academic year of study.

  • Mathematics

    4 units, including one of calculus

  • Physics

    1 unit

  • Chemistry

    1 unit

  • Computer Science (Recommended)

    1 unit

  • Biology (Recommended)

    1 unit

Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and Cambridge A-Levels

If your school offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses or has an International Baccalaureate (IB) program, we encourage you to take advantage of these classes. If you are successful in these courses, you are likely to be successful at Cornell Engineering. We will award credit for certain AP and IB classes based on your exam results.

Transfer Credit

Cornell Engineering will award credit for certain advanced classes based on exam results. In addition, college courses taken during high school that meet certain criteria may be reviewed for transfer credit. Please note that transfer credit is not guaranteed, and requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis to ensure that all department and College policies have been met for credit to be awarded.

For more information, please refer to the College’s websites on AP and Transfer Credit and the Transfer Credit Application Process. Matriculating students may also earn credit by taking a Cornell Advanced Standing Exam (CASE) during the fall orientation period. Cornell University’s Registrar is the official determinant of all credit transfer policies.

Standardized Testing

For enrollment in fall 2026 and beyond, Cornell University’s testing policy states that first-year students applying to all Cornell undergraduate colleges and schools will be required to submit standardized test scores either from the SAT or the ACT. The submission of AP and IB scores are encouraged, but are not a required part of the application for admission.

English Language Proficiency

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.

High School Information

No two high schools are the same, and access to take advanced courses varies. Our counselors are familiar with the schools in their assigned regions. Additionally, each high school provides a school profile that explains what courses are offered, any limits on the number of advanced classes available, and information about grading. We assess students’ work within the context of their specific high school and the resources available.

Extracurricular Activities

Engagement outside of the classroom is just as important as performance in high school. On your application, your involvement in extracurricular activities acquaints us with your passions and your ability to balance work and play. It gives us a clearer picture of who you are. There is no right or wrong activity. Do what you love. Pursue what is interesting to you. Once on campus, our students pursue an unlimited range of interests — building rockets and robots, bagpipe playing, teaching Sanskrit, championship logrolling, managing theater companies, and more! If you are genuine in your pursuits, your sincerity and originality will shine through on your application.

Homeschooled Students

Each year, a small percentage of applications come from homeschooled students. In order to understand and appreciate the depth and variety of the homeschool experience, the admissions selection committee requires that these applicants provide a detailed list of all books read and projects, papers, or work completed each year in the following subjects:

  • English
  • Social Studies
  • Foreign Language
  • Science
  • Mathematics

We ask that applicants provide an official high school transcript if available, as well as transcripts from any college courses you may have taken. You should also send information on independent projects, laboratory experiences, research projects, etc. In addition, you may submit scores from any standardized examinations.