Essentials about Admissions

www.cornell.edu

Agriculture and Life Sciences 2

Architecture, Art, and Planning 4
Arts and Sciences 6
Engineering 8
Hotel Administration 10
Human Ecology 12
Industrial and Labor Relations 14
Admission to Cornell 16
Financing a Cornell Education 18
Visiting Cornell 20
Academic Calendar 20

1
 The Essentials
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
www.cals.cornell.edu
607 255-2036
als_admissions@cornell.edu
With more than 3,000 students,
the College of Agriculture and Life
Sciences (CALS) is the second largest
undergraduate college at Cornell
University and the third largest college
of its kind in the United States. In
national surveys we rank as the best
college of agriculture and related
sciences in the country. Our faculty
and staff are experts in their fields, and
our teaching and research facilities are
among the finest available anywhere.
The college’s educational programs
are carefully designed to ensure that
every student’s education is geared
to contemporary, real-world issues.
Through teaching, research, and
extension—the three components
of our land-grant mission—we strive
to improve the nation’s food supply
and maintain its safety, to enhance
the environment, and to help people
improve their lives.
Majors Offered
Agricultural Science Education
Agricultural Sciences
Animal Science
Applied Economics and Management
Atmospheric Science
Biological Engineering
Biological Sciences
Biology and Society
Biometry and Statistics
Communication
Development Sociology
Entomology
Food Science
Information Science
Interdisciplinary Studies
International Agriculture
and Rural Development
Landscape Architecture
Nutritional Sciences
Plant Sciences
Viticulture and Enology
2 3
Environmental Majors Fast Facts
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Undergraduate enrollment: 3,335
(apply to Biological Sciences)
First-year class size: 650
Environmental Engineering Transfer class size: 310
Environmental Exploration
Multicultural students: 858
Natural Resources
Students involved in research:
Science of Earth Systems
more than 90 percent
Science of Natural and Environmental Systems
Students who studied abroad
in 2008–2009:
Minors Offered 200 students, 34 countries
Agribusiness Management 80 percent of students participate
American Indian Studies in summer internships
Animal Science salaries, and improved classrooms and
Applied Economics Most popular courses:
Atmospheric Science to college.
• Alien Empire: Bizarre Biology of Bugs
Biological Sciences the college’s commitment to resident and
• Magical Mushrooms, Mischievous
Biometry and Statistics Molds • Marketing • Communication
Business As a contract college within the State
in Life Sciences • Environmental
Communication Conservation • Climate and
Crop Management Global Warming • The Animals That
Sustain Us • Food Choices and Issues
Development Sociology
Education
Entomology CALS is known for:
Environmental and Resource Economics Academic strength and excellence in
Food Science the following priorities: Applied Social
Globalization, Ethnicity, and Development Sciences, Environmental Sciences,
Information Science Life Sciences, and Agriculture. In each
of these areas our core undergraduate
International Studies exploring other interests and careers. You
curriculum is designed to help our
International Trade and Development
students become “society ready.”
Landscape Studies in agriculture?
Basic and applied research is conducted
Natural Resources Students are surprised to learn that
for the betterment of society.
Nutrition and Health agriculture has been a part of Cornell since
Plant Sciences
Opportunities outside
Science of Natural and Environmental Systems
of the classroom:
Soil Science
Viticulture and Enology • Study Abroad • Association for Women
in Communication • Cornell Accounting
Association • Food Science Club
• Dillmun Hill Student Organic Farm •
Cornell Dairy Science Club • Minority
Business Students Association • Hortus
Forum • New World Agriculture and
Ecology Group • Pre-Vet Society •
American Meteorology Society
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the relationship between
CALS and the State University of
New York system?
CALS is one of three undergraduate
colleges at Cornell that are affiliated with
the State University of New York (SUNY).
As a “contract college” we have a unique
responsibility to conduct research and
public service that will benefit the people
of the state. In return, the state contributes
a portion of our operating expenses, which
provides funds for student support, faculty
laboratories.
How does this arrangement influence
non-resident students?
University of New York, we are committed
to maintaining a strong presence of
New York State residents in our student
body. A majority of the students in CALS
are New York State residents. However,
the college is also committed to enrolling a
student body that is geographically diverse.
Given these commitments, it is also important
to note that geography is not by itself a
determining factor in the admission decision.
Given that the college specializes in
agriculture, will I have to take courses
the university was founded in 1865. (In fact,
Ezra Cornell gifted his farm to establish
Cornell University in Ithaca.) Agriculture
today is very different—encompassing food,
environment, and biotechnolgy research
opportunities that you may not have realized
are related to it. In addition to agriculture,
the major fields in the college fall within
the life sciences, environment, and applied
social sciences. So the simple anwer is no.
We encourage students to look beyond
their current understanding of agriculture
and explore the opportunities in a college
that is well suited to examine the world’s
complexities from multiple perspectives.
When do I choose a major?
During the application process to CALS,
you will be asked to select one major. Given
the specialized nature of the college and
its majors, it is important for the selection
committee to understand how your interests
fit with our program offerings. In fact, an
important part of our selection process is Freshman Admission
determining if a student’s interests match Requirements
what our college offers. We encourage you
to make your initial choice carefully. Secondary-School Subjects
I want to major in Biology. To which 16 units, including 4 of English,
college should I apply? 3 of mathematics (including
precalculus), 3 of science
If you want to major in biological sciences (including 1 of biology, and
at Cornell, you can apply to either CALS 1 of chemistry or physics)
or to the College of Arts and Sciences.
Also recommended: an additional unit
Since course requirements for the biology
of advanced mathematics and science
major are the same in both colleges, we
Standardized Testing
advise you to make your college choice
according to your secondary interests. SAT or the ACT with Writing
It is the non-biology course options SAT Subject Tests recommended in a
science and in Mathematics (any level).
and requirements that vary from college
If English is not your first language:
TOEFL or IELTS*
Do you offer preprofessional majors Special Requirements &
(pre-med, pre-vet, pre-law) in CALS? Recommended Preparation
You can major in anything at Cornell and Campus tours and admission
still prepare for graduate or professional information sessions recommended.
school (medical, veterinary, or law). No interviews required or
Graduate and professional programs in offered for admission.
these areas do not require or recommend Landscape Architecture:
portfolio required
any particular undergraduate major
(send to Cornell University,
course of study and Cornell does not offer Landscape Architecture,
preprofessional majors. You complete the 440 Kennedy Hall,
preprofessional core of courses for graduate
Ithaca, NY 14853-4203)
and professional programs while at the
We Are Looking for . . .
same time receiving a broad education and
Participation in activities related
to student’s choice of major; strong
are more likely to succeed at and benefit demonstrated interest in agriculture
from subjects that interest and stimulate
and the environment; rigorous high
you. Therefore, we encourage you to select school curriculum and outstanding
a major that interests you, and explore how record of academic achievement.
you can best fulfill course requirements for
* For more information about TOEFL
your major and at the same time prepare or IELTS requirements, see the section
for graduate or professional school. “Admission to Cornell” in this book.
What major do I choose if I am
interested in the environment or
environmental issues?
CALS offers extensive opportunities to
combine environmental interests with
many of our majors. Recognizing the
importance of using an interdisciplinary
approach to solve environmental
problems, CALS has a comprehensive
group of majors and concentrations
that can be studied to complement your
environmental interests. Each major
and concentration within the majors
involves a unique approach to solving
environmental issues. The Environmental
Undecided major allows you to explore
the college’s environmental offerings and
eventually declare a major that meets your
environmental interests.
 The Essentials
College of Architecture, Art, and Planning
www.aap.cornell.edu
607 255-4376
aap_admissions@cornell.edu
With 515 students, Cornell’s smallest
college is a hub of campus creativity.
Through programs in urban policy
and planning; architectural design,
history, and theory; art studio practice;
and cultural and visual studies, AAP
addresses the major technological,
cultural, and social challenges of
human civilization.
Cornell’s five-year professional degree
program in architecture, one of a kind
in the Ivy League, prepares you to go
directly into the field. Courses in studio,
theory, structures, technology, and
history are supplemented with electives
from throughout Cornell’s six other
colleges. In the fine arts department,
your first three semesters will provide
a broad introduction to the program’s
studio practice in drawing, digital media,
painting, printmaking, sculpture, and
photography. Students in the urban and
regional studies (URS) major look at
the way communities—neighborhoods,
cities, regions, and nations—grow and
change, and analyze the strategies
that shape their health, economic
development, and environmental quality.
Many URS students do independent
work with faculty or serve internships
with government agencies, lobbying
groups, or research organizations.
Whichever major you pursue in AAP,
you are sure to be offered innovative
and flexible programs taught by
nationally and internationally renowned
artists, planners, and architects.
4 5
Majors Offered
Architecture
Fine Arts
History of Architecture (transfer students only)
Urban and Regional Studies
• Architecture summer programs abroad
Beyond the Essentials
Typical freshman curriculum:
There’s not one.
What AAP Students Say
What you should expect from faculty
Faculty try to get you to think about things in
new ways–they’re very creatively stimulating.
The faculty can be tough, but they do make an
effort to treat you like a colleague. They’ll be
honest with you.
The things you learn in your classes from faculty are
designed to give you a practical knowledge that you
can take into the workplace.
What the faculty will expect from you
As soon as classes start, the level of intensity grows.
Expect to put in many hours of work.
In architecture, the main emphasis from the begin-
ning is conceptual design, reworking space. We have
Study abroad and off-campus study:
to do a lot of problem solving in terms of how we
work with space. It makes you change how you think.
You’re required to take academic classes along with
classes in your major–interdisciplinary study will add
to the quality of your work.
What you can expect from your classmates
The overall talent level is extremely high, so you
have to be ready to commit and be part of it all.
When you’re working at midnight, you can always
go to other students and learn from them.
It’s one thing to have an artist, it’s another thing to
have a smart artist. The program emphasizes that
people from different academic backgrounds can
work together–it’s refreshing.
What your classmates will expect from you
A strong work ethic–but also definitely a sense
of humor!
Everybody’s in it together: working together, inspired
together, complaining together, laughing together.
AAP in the World
Nearly all AAP students study and
work off-campus around the world
in one or more of these programs:
• Cornell in Rome
(North Africa, China, Scandinavia,
Europe, Latin America,
Japan, Southeast Asia)
• Art studio/creative writing
summer workshop in Rome
• AAP Center in NYC
• Cornell Urban Scholars Program
(summer in NYC)
• Cornell in Washington
• New Orleans Planning Initiative
Fast Facts
Undergraduate enrollment: 515
Women/men: 293/222
(57 percent/43 percent)
Multicultural students: 42 percent
International students: 14 percent
Countries represented: 26
almost all AAP students (!)
Student/faculty ratio: 9:1
Favorite student hangout:
Green Dragon Café in Sibley Hall
Galleries in the college
where students/faculty
exhibit work: 3
(Hartell, Tjaden, Experimental)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I double major in the College of
Architecture, Art, and Planning?
Though AAP students can’t complete two
majors within the college, undergraduates
pursuing degrees in fine arts or urban and
regional studies can take advantage of
the 5-year Dual-Degree Program to
complete a second major in another
college at Cornell.
What can I do with a fine arts degree
after graduation? (Or, more often,
What can my daughter/son do with a
fine arts degree after graduation?)
Fine arts graduates have successful
careers in painting, sculpture, computer
animation, photography, design, arts
management, communication arts, and art
therapy, or have gone on to Master of Fine
Arts programs and to teaching.
What kinds of jobs do urban and regional
studies students get after graduation?
About half of URS graduates go on to
grad school, many in law or planning.
The other half work in private consulting
firms, planning research agencies, public
administration, government, nonprofit
agencies, banks, accounting firms, and
other businesses.
Will I be able to study in the AAP
Center in New York City?
AAP’s off-campus center in downtown
Manhattan near Union Square provides
bright, expansive studio and seminar
space for use by students in all three
AAP departments. You will be able to
take advantage of special events as well
as weekend- and semester-long programs
in New York City and work with urban
artists, architects, and planning theorists.
Are courses in AAP’s Rome Program
taught in English?
Si! But knowing a little Italian is very
helpful. Students living and studying in
Rome take part in an extensive field trip
program to many different regions of Italy
where speaking and understanding Italian
adds to your education. AAP students
commonly complete a semester or two of
Italian on the Cornell campus or enroll in
Italian classes offered in Italy through the
Rome Program.
How many AAP courses are actually
taught by faculty?
Every single one of them! And studios
are small (10–15 students) so that
students get a lot of personal attention
from their instructors.
How much sleep will I get as an
architecture student at Cornell?
That depends. Most architecture studios
at Cornell are available to architecture
students on a 24/7 basis. Some future
architects seem to live in the studio
while others find time for extracurricular
activities (even varsity sports) and a busy
social life. Time management is crucial
for success in any college major. Even
so, you may be pulling the occasional
all-nighter as an architecture student,
especially when the end-of-the-semester
studio review rolls around.
When will the new AAP studio
building be completed?
In 2009 the college broke ground for
Milstein Hall (designed by internation-
ally known architect Rem Koolhaas,
who studied architecture at Cornell).
It will include galleries, studios, an
auditorium, and collaborative inter-
departmental spaces—and a
green roof, along with many other
sustainable features. Milstein Hall is
anticipated to open in 2011–2012.
Freshman Admission
Requirements
Secondary-School Subjects
All departments:
16 units, including 4 of English and:
Architecture: 4 of mathematics (including
plane geometry, intermediate algebra,
and trigonometry), and 1 of physics
Recommended additional preparation:
1 unit of calculus and 3 or 4 of foreign
language (3 years of one language or 2
years each of two languages)
Art: 3 or 4 of foreign language (3 years of
one language or 2 years each of
2 languages)
Urban studies: 3 of mathematics, 3 of one
foreign language, and 3 of science
Standardized Testing
SAT or the ACT with Writing
Architecture: SAT Subject Test required in
Mathematics (any level)
If English is not your first language:
TOEFL or IELTS*
Architecture: file portfolio
required (photographs,
photocopies in a notebook);
interview required.
Details at www.aap.cornell.edu
or in AAP viewbook
(call 607 255-4376 for viewbook
or to schedule interview).
Deadlines: Early decision: Nov. 10;
Regular decision: Jan. 31
Art: file portfolio required
(slides and/or CD); interview
recommended. Details at
www.aap.cornell.edu or
in AAP viewbook (call 607 255-4376 for
viewbook or to schedule interview).
Deadlines: Early decision: Nov. 10;
Regular decision: Jan. 31
Portfolios should be sent directly to
Architecture, Art, and Planning
Admissions Office,
Cornell University,
B-1 West Sibley Hall,
Ithaca, NY 14853-4901.
We Are Looking for . . .
Rigorous high school curriculum
and outstanding record of academic
achievement; participation in activities
related to student’s choice of major
in Architecture, Art, and Planning.
* For more information about TOEFL
or IELTS requirements, see the section
“Admission to Cornell” in this book.
 The Essentials
College of Arts and Sciences
www.arts.cornell.edu
607 255-4833
as_admissions@cornell.edu
The College of Arts and Sciences is the Majors (and concentrations)
oldest, largest college at Cornell. Its Africana Studies
students enjoy an Ivy League education
American Studies
distinguished by unusual breadth and
Anthropology
depth of study and freedom to shape Archaeology
their own curriculum. Each year, more Asian Studies
than 25 percent of our undergraduates Astronomy
work closely with faculty in research Biological Sciences
Animal Physiology
and independent study. The college’s
Biochemistry
departments and programs demonstrate
Computational Biology
the highest levels of scholarly and
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
artistic achievement—half of the
General Biology
departments are among the nation’s
Genetics and Development
top 10 in their fields. These strong Insect Biology
disciplines in the humanities, physical Microbiology
Molecular and Cell Biology
and social sciences, and creative arts
Neurobiology and Behavior
form the basis for multidisciplinary
Nutrition
study, one of Cornell’s most highly Plant Biology
valued traditions. Students can choose Systematics and Biotic Diversity
from among the 2,200 undergraduate Independent Option
courses offered by the College of Arts Biology and Society
and Sciences—over half of all courses Chemistry and Chemical Biology
taught at Cornell—and can further China and Asia-Pacific Studies
Classics
enrich their education through study in
the other colleges and study abroad. Greek
Latin
Arts and Sciences graduates are well
Classics
prepared for lives of intellectual and Classical Civilization
creative achievement. College Scholar
What Sets Us Apart Comparative Literature
Comparative Literary Studies
• We are a small liberal arts college
Literary, Visual, and Media Studies
at the center of an outstanding
research university. Computer Science
Dance
• We offer a flexible curriculum with
Economics
broad distribution requirements,
no core curriculum. English
• 100 percent of faculty members teach and Feminist, Gender & Sexuality Studies
advise undergraduates.
Film
• 95 percent of courses are taught by faculty.
French
• We have an 8:1 student/faculty ratio. French Literature
• 50 percent of courses have fewer than French Cultural Studies
10 enrolled students, and 70 percent German Area Studies
fewer than 20. German (Literature and Culture)
Government
European Studies
History
History of Art
Independent Major
Information Science
6 7
A Sampling of Our 2,200 Courses
American Studies 1240:
Democracy and Its Discontents
Plant Biology 2400: Green World/Blue Planet
Near Eastern Studies 2651:
Holy War, Crusade, and Jihad
Math 1340: Math and Politics
English 2760: Desire
Science and Technology Studies 1102:
Histories of the Future
Psychology 2650: Psychology and Law
Economics 3680: Game Theory
Physics 1204: The Physics of
Musical Sound
Fast Facts
Undergraduate enrollment: 4,070
First-year class size: about 1,000
Multicultural students: about 32 percent
International students: 10 percent
Courses offered: 2,200,
with 250 new courses each year
1,200–1,400 students involved
in research (not including those
who hold campus jobs in research labs)
225–250 students
study abroad each year
Beyond the Essentials
• What you should expect from the faculty:
leadership in their fields, commitment to
undergraduate education, accessibility
• What the faculty will expect from you:
strong work ethic, broad academic interests,
academic and personal integrity
• What you can expect from
your classmates: commitment to
excellence, strong sense of community,
dedication to public service
• What your classmates will expect
from you: openness to new experiences
and different perspectives,
collaborative spirit
Majors (and concentrations) Information Science Can I get involved in research?
Italian International Relations Undergraduate research is one of the pillars
Italian Literature and Culture Italian Studies of a Cornell education, and A&S students
Italian Studies Jewish Studies who want to be involved in it are encouraged
Linguistics Latin American Studies to pursue any of the many opportunities
Mathematics available—for example, working in a lab,
Latino Studies
Mathematics becoming a professor’s research assistant,
Law and Society pursuing independent study for academic
Computer Science
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and credit, or writing a senior thesis.
Economics
Transgender Studies
Mathematical Biology Can I be involved in music without being a
Medieval Studies
Mathematical Physics music major?
Operations Research Music
The Cornell Music Department likes to think
Statistics Science of Earth Systems
of itself as the friendliest music department
Music Science and Technology Studies
in the country to non-majors. Interested
South Asia Studies
Near Eastern Studies students, regardless of major, may enroll in
Philosophy Southeast Asia Studies courses and receive individual instruction
Physics Spanish from faculty. All choral and instrumental
Theatre ensembles are open audition.
Psychology
Biopsychology Visual Studies
Am I limited in the number of courses I can
Personality and Social Psychology take outside of A&S?
Religious Studies As long as you earn at least 100 A&S credits,
Science and Technology Studies Frequently Asked Questions you can earn as many credits outside the
Minds and Machines Can I pursue more than one major? college as you wish.
Science, Technology, and Public Policy Yes, one third of our students complete
Life in its Environment more than one major.
Science of Earth Systems
When do I have to declare my major?
Geological Sciences
Students have until the end of Freshman Admission
Sociology Requirements
sophomore year to declare a major. Many
Spanish students add an additional major or
Spanish Literature Secondary-School Subjects
majors during the junior and senior years.
Area Studies 16 units, including 4 of English,
Statistical Science As an A&S student, can I earn a major 3 of mathematics, 3 of science,
in another college? and 3 of one foreign language
Theatre Arts
You will complete a major or majors in (Deficiencies should be explained in a letter
our college, but you may pursue a minor accompanying the application for admission.)
Minors Offered
in another college. A very small number
Africana Studies Standardized Testing
of our students participate in the dual-
Archaeology (not available to SAT or the ACT with Writing
degree program with either Engineering
A&S students) SAT Subject Tests required in two subjects
or Architecture, Art, and Planning. If English is not your first language:
Asian American Studies TOEFL or IELTS*
What kind of advising will I get?
Astronomy
Each A&S student works with a faculty Recommended Preparation
Biological Sciences
advisor and an advising dean who Visits encouraged and
Cognitive Science information sessions recommended.
provide academic guidance; a student’s
Computing in the Arts peer advisor helps him or her become Interviews are not offered.
East Asia Studies oriented to Cornell. In addition, the We Are Looking for . . .
European Studies A&S Office of Career Services advises Rigorous high school curriculum,
Feminist, Gender, & Sexuality Studies students on career exploration, finding outstanding record of
Film internships, and applying for jobs. academic achievement, and
a strong commitment to the
French Studies Do only foreign language majors liberal arts and sciences.
German Studies study abroad?
* For more information about TOEFL
History of Art No, A&S students who study abroad or IELTS requirements, see the section
Human Biology come from all majors. “Admission to Cornell” in this book.
Inequality
 The Essentials
College of Engineering
www.engineering.cornell.edu
607 255-5008
engr_admissions@cornell.edu
The College of Engineering captures
Cornell’s spirit of innovation and
commitment to learning in its broad
array of engineering fields. Students
have the opportunity to build strong
foundations in traditional engineering
concepts, explore emerging fields,
make connections across disciplinary
boundaries, and discover new
knowledge at the interfaces. Learning
in the context of a research environment
opens a world of possibilities for
students and produces not cookie-
cutter graduates but inspired individuals
—critical thinkers and creative leaders
who will tackle the global challenges
of tomorrow.
What Sets Us Apart
• A world-class engineering college within
a world-class university, encouraging
students to pursue both broad and deep
academic opportunities.
• Broadest engineering program in the
Ivy League, with 11 departments, most
ranked in the top 10 in their field.
• Students can choose from 13 majors and
18 minors, leading to incredible depth.
• More than 15 project teams offer students
the opportunity to take their ideas
from concept to production, designing
and building autonomous vehicles,
minesweeper robots, satellites, solar
homes, and more.
• Co-op Program in which approximately
20 percent of our juniors every year will
earn money during two 14-week work
sessions and still graduate in four years.
• Phenomenal facilities, with five national
research centers, including the top
nanotechnology facility in the world.
Majors Offered
Biological Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Computer Science
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Engineering Physics
Environmental Engineering
Independent Major
8 9
Information Science, Systems,
and Technology
Materials Science and Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Operations Research and Engineering
Science of Earth Systems
Minors Offered
Aerospace Engineering
Applied Mathematics
Biological Engineering
Biomedical Engineering
Business Minor for Engineering
Students (offered by CALS)
Civil Infrastructure
Computer Science
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Engineering Management
Engineering Statistics
Environmental Engineering
Game Design
Industrial Systems and Information success. We can help with classes,
Technology
Information Science
Materials Science and Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Operations Research and
Management Science
Science of Earth Systems
Beyond the Essentials
• Typical first-year curriculum:
Students usually take a combination of
mathematics, chemistry, physics, and
computer science as the foundation,
then choose an introductory engineering
course to learn more about an area of
interest. Your coursework is capped off
by First-Year Writing Seminars, weekly
seminars with your faculty advisor, and
perhaps a course in economics, foreign
language, psychology, or other area of
interest.
• At Cornell, our undergraduates team up
with faculty members, researchers, and
other students to actively explore their
world through cutting-edge research.
Students share their findings with faculty,
alumni, and corporate partners in the an-
nual Cornell Engineering Research Con-
ference, a professional networking event
that often results in career opportunities.
Fast Facts
Undergraduate enrollment: 3,015
First-year class size: 735
34 percent women
35 percent multicultural students
13 percent international students
representing more than 40 countries,
including China, Singapore, South Korea,
Mexico, Canada, Jamaica,
France, Turkey, and Kenya
More than 50 percent of our
undergraduates participating in research
Six engineering-specific study abroad
programs, in addition to the numerous
offerings through Cornell Abroad
More than 4,000
on-campus interviews with our
engineering students conducted annually
by approximately 200 companies
Intriguing courses:
• Engineering for a Sustainable Society
• Biomaterials for the Skeletal System
• Entrepreneurship for Engineers
• Spacecraft Engineering
• Combustion Engines and Fuel Cells
• Foundations of Artificial Intelligence
• Data-Driven Web Applications
• Design Integration: DVDs and iPods
• Computing in the Arts
• Visual Imaging in the Electronic Age
• Chemical Processing of
Electronic Materials
• Principles of Tissue Engineering
• Science and Technology Approaches
to Problems in Human Health
• Structural Dynamics and
Earthquake Engineering
• Operations Research Tools
for Financial Engineering
• A lot of your projects and work will
be done in teams, so you’ll get to
interact with the best and the brightest
students, often in interdisciplinary
groups from across the college and
across the campus.
• If you want to take your engineering
career in an entrepreneurial direction,
our Kessler Fellows Program is just
the ticket. Through a specialized
curriculum and internships in
innovative companies (not to mention
a cash prize), you will learn what you
need to know to move your ideas
from the lab or workbench to the
marketplace.
Frequently Asked Questions
I think I want to study Engineering
but I’m not sure what kind.
Do I have to choose now?
When you submit your application,
you can indicate an intended major if
you wish, but you actually apply to the
College of Engineering and not to a
particular major. You do not officially
select your major until the second
semester of your sophomore year, so you
have about three semesters of coursework
here before you need to decide.
What’s the future of Engineering?
As a part of our current strategic plan,
Cornell Engineering is working to be
recognized as the premier research
university in advanced materials,
information sciences, and nanoscience,
and a world leader in bioengineering,
complex systems, and energy and the
environment. For example, more than 50
faculty members—one fifth of the total
faculty in Engineering—consider at least
part of their research to be related to
energy and sustainability in some way.
When can Engineering students get
involved with research?
Engineering students can begin research
in their first year, although many students
wait until their sophomore or junior year
to start working with a research group.
More than 50 percent of Engineering
students will have at least one research
experience before they graduate, and
they work on diverse project areas such
as prosthetics, anticancer drug delivery,
humanoid robotics, and biofuels. Freshman Admission
Requirements
Can I double major in Engineering?
What about outside of Engineering?
Secondary-School Subjects
Yes, you can “double major” within the
16 units, including 1 of chemistry,
College of Engineering. And two other 1 of physics, and 4 of mathematics
Cornell colleges—Arts and Sciences and (2 of algebra, 1 of geometry,
Architecture, Art, and Planning—also and 1 of calculus)
allow Engineering students to pursue a Also recommended:
second major with them, although when computer science, biology, and
it’s outside of Engineering, it’s called a a foreign language for those
“dual degree” because you earn a degree who may want to study abroad
from that college in addition to your Standardized Testing
Engineering degree. (This option is not SAT or the ACT with Writing
available for the Architecture program.) SAT Subject Tests required in
Mathematics (any level) and a science
How tough is the academic pressure for If English is not your first language:
Cornell Engineering students? TOEFL or IELTS*
It’s true, the Cornell Engineering Recommended Preparation
curriculum is rigorous; students choose
Visits encouraged and
Cornell because they expect to be
information sessions recommended.
challenged, stretched, and strengthened.
Interviews are not offered.
We choose you because we see your
We Are Looking for . . .
potential, and we’re invested in your
Problem-solvers and innovators,
students with creative skills
research, even social challenges. Most
and a sense of adventure,
of your homework and projects will be
individuals who want to
done in groups with other students,
make a difference in the world
including real-world projects like and accomplish something
redesigning Lynah Rink for your final of significance. And, of course,
strong skills in math and science.
project. Yes, you will work hard from day
one, but you’re beginning the best four * For more information about TOEFL
years of your life. or IELTS requirements, see the section
“Admission to Cornell” in this book.
I see you do not have majors in
Aerospace or Biomedical Engineering,
but both departments are ranked near
the top in the nation. What does that
mean for me in terms of opportunities in
these fields?
We do have world-class faculty in these
fields, both of which are engineering
specialties that offer exciting
opportunities for changing our world.
For fields like these, we recommend that
students build a broad foundation of
engineering knowledge through a major
in a traditional discipline—for example,
mechanical engineering or chemical
engineering—using an engineering minor
or perhaps a fifth year in the master of
engineering program to specialize in
these areas of interest. There are many
opportunities to further enhance your
undergraduate program through co-op
assignments and project teams that allow
you to gain experience in these specialties.
 The Essentials
School of Hotel Administration
www.hotelschool.cornell.edu
607 255-6376
hotelschool_admissions@cornell.edu
Hospitality Leadership
through Learning
The School of Hotel Administration,
the leading hospitality school in the
world, is the path to leadership in the
hospitality industry and the business
world in general. You will learn from
the most distinguished faculty in the
field—professors who are leaders
in research and teaching, who have
created a curriculum with a breadth and
depth you won’t find at other business
schools. Our curriculum is the most
comprehensive of its kind, with more
than 100 different courses. We’re a
professional school that will teach you
the tools of business management and
how to apply them in the hospitality
industry. Your studies here will be
focused and creative and will relate
to the real world. Our teaching facility,
the Statler Hotel, creates a distinctive
educational experience and provides
opportunities for hands-on management.
If you’re ambitious, dynamic, people-
oriented, and good at motivating others,
consider our program.
What Sets Us Apart
• The first hospitality management school
in the United States—and the only one in
the Ivy League
• Home to the Nestlé Library, with the
largest collection of hospitality-related
materials in the country
• Home to the Leland C. and Mary
M. Pillsbury Institute for Hospitality
Entrepreneurship, which offers
business-plan, incubator, and advising
opportunities to student entrepreneurs
• Collaboration with the Culinary Institute
of America in a program that allows
students to pursue dual degrees in only
four years
• More than 11,000 alumni, with
60 regional chapters worldwide
10
Major Offered
Hotel Administration, with academic
concentrations available in:
• Managerial Communication
• Financial Management
• Food and Beverage Management
• Human Resources Management
• Management Operations
• Marketing, Strategy, and Tourism
• Operations Management and
Information Technology
• Facilities Management
• Real Estate, Development, and Law
Beyond the Essentials
Who comes to the Hotel School?
• Students who aspire to be
entrepreneurs and leaders
• Students who have a passion for
being of service to others and plan
to pursue a career where they can
make an impact on a large scale
• Business-minded students who
want a more creative atmosphere
and who realize they will enjoy
the dynamic challenges of the
hospitality industry
• Students considering majors in
marketing, real-estate development,
international business, information
technology, finance, human
resources, and general management
• Liberal-arts-minded students
interested in psychology, sociology,
communication, fine arts, and
performing arts who are excited
about becoming innovative
business people
Fast Facts
Undergraduate enrollment: 840
First-year class size: 170
Multicultural students: 200
International students: 100
Countries represented: 30
Students who study abroad each year: 50
Popular Courses:
• Introduction to Wines
• Hospitality Real Estate Finance
• Hospitality Facilities Design
• Restaurant Entrepreneurship
Tips for Hotelies:
for students, by students
• Networking is a must. Take advantage of
the school’s extensive alumni network.
• The hospitality industry is global, so
continue any language study you started in
high school or pursue a new language.
• Group projects are the norm—
be flexible and learn to work with others.
• Plan, create schedules, manage
your time, and set priorities.
• Take advantage of the small size
of the Hotel School. Establish close
relationships with the faculty and
get to know your peers.
• Be on the lookout for Cornell traditions,
such as a cappella arch sings, homecoming
tailgates, Dragon Day, and Slope Day.
You’re ready to apply if you
describe yourself as:
• passionate about hospitality
• a confident leader
• action-oriented
• ambitious
• organized
• globally oriented
• creative
• entrepreneurial
Frequently Asked Questions
When I graduate will I be working
in a hotel?
We define the term “hospitality industry”
broadly to encompass not only the
traditional lodging and food-service
focus, but also travel, tourism, and other
related functions. Recent graduates have
accepted positions in the following fields:
• consulting, banking, and financial
services (18 percent)
• hotel, resort, convention center, and
conference management (21 percent)
• real estate development, finance, and
brokerage (12 percent)
• restaurants (17 percent)
• gaming and casinos (4 percent)
Our graduates frequently receive multiple
job offers; more than 100 companies visit
to recruit for permanent and summer jobs.
Recent employers include: Four Seasons
Hotels & Resorts, Expedia.com, Goldman
Sachs, Continental Airlines, Harrah’s
Entertainment, Hillstone Restaurant
Group, Gap Inc., Deloitte Consulting,
and Starwood Hotels and Resorts.
Cornell graduates have a reputation
for innovation and leadership in the
hospitality industry.
Do I need work experience to apply?
It is not required, but work experience
is strongly recommended. In recent
years about 85 percent of our admitted
students have had experience working
in the hospitality industry. Your work
experience will demonstrate to us your
passion for hospitality and will give you
a better understanding of the industry,
while giving you important background
knowledge to bring into the program.
What courses will I take?
About two-thirds of your courses
will be within the School of Hotel
Administration (core courses and Hotel
electives). You will also take elective
courses outside of the school (distributive
electives). Part of your curriculum (free
electives) can be from any division of
Cornell. Our faculty has designed a
business-management curriculum that
provides a solid foundation in all core Freshman Admission
business and management functions. Requirements
You can also choose an optional
concentration to focus intensively in a Secondary-School Subjects
particular area of the hospitality industry. 16 units, including 4 of English,
Our curriculum is carefully balanced 3 of mathematics, and 2 of science
between theory and practice—and with (including 1 of chemistry)
many opportunities for case studies and Also recommended:
additional mathematics, science,
group projects; you will cultivate not
just knowledge, but leadership skills and and 3 years of a foreign language
professionalism as well. Standardized Testing
SAT or the ACT with Writing
Will I have a faculty advisor?
SAT Subject Test required in
Student-faculty interaction is a hallmark Mathematics (any level)
of the School of Hotel Administration. If English is not your first language:
Students benefit both personally and TOEFL or IELTS*
professionally from relationships with Interview
individual faculty members. During
Interview required,
your first year, you are assigned a faculty
on or off campus.
advisor to help with the transition to You must schedule
college life. Faculty advisors devote your own interview online.
significant time, meeting on a regular Details and interview deadlines at
basis to review academic, career, and www.hotelschool.cornell.edu
personal concerns. Our world-renowned
We Are Looking for . . .
faculty members are at the leading edge
Passion for the hospitality industry,
of developments in the industry and offer
leadership, professionalism,
you their expertise and mentorship.
entrepreneurship, high energy,
Our community emphasizes collaboration work experience, rigorous curriculum
and teamwork, fostering a rapport among and outstanding record
our students. of academic achievement.
How is this program different from a * For more information about TOEFL
general business degree program? or IELTS requirements, see the section
“Admission to Cornell” in this book.
Many of our courses are similiar to any
selective undergraduate business program
including: accounting, economics,
finance, marketing, strategy, law, and
information systems. But our courses
are taught through their application
to the hopitality and related service
industries. You also learn fundamentals
of food-service, lodging, real estate,
design, and management operations
that most general business majors never
see. Understanding people is crucial
in hopitality because we are providing
services rather than producing products.
In contrast to many general business
programs, we emphasize teamwork and
group projects that prepare you with the
people skills to manage and lead others
whether you work for a restaurant group,
investment bank, or consulting firm.
11
 The Essentials
College of Human Ecology
www.human.cornell.edu
607-255-5471
humec_admissions@cornell.edu
Examining human life
from a scientific, social, and
aesthetic perspective
Using a blend of academic disciplines,
College of Human Ecology students
and faculty apply their knowledge to
identify, explore, and develop solutions
to issues facing people today in the
areas of development and the life
course; economic and social well-
being; design and technology; and
human nutrition, health and genomics.
College of Human Ecology students
learn to understand and analyze from a
critical perspective the institutions and
the relationships that shape people’s
lives. Faculty members bring theory to
life through contemporary scholarship
and teaching, using research to
transform and expand students’ scope.
Our areas of study allow you to
specialize in the field of your choice—
medicine, health or law, psychology or
education, management or marketing,
apparel or interior design—while
incorporating course work from other
programs within the college and
across the university. Human Ecology
undergraduates establish a foundation
in English, mathematics, and the
natural and social sciences—biology,
chemistry, economics, psychology, and
sociology—and apply their expertise to
their fields of interest.
The ability to see the relevance
between academic work and human
issues is important to the Human
Ecology education. Our students
and faculty have a sense of curiosity,
responsibility, and diligence. They
combine their passions and talents with
purpose and aspire to effect change.
We teach our students to be thoughtful
problem solvers and to carefully
analyze a variety of perspectives.
12
Majors Offered
Biology and Society
Design and Environmental Analysis
(Facilities Planning and Management; Students who identify a multicultural
Human Factors and Ergonomics;
Interior Design)
Fiber Science & Apparel Design
(Apparel Design; Apparel and Textile
Management; Fiber Science)
Human Biology, Health, and Society
Human Development
Nutritional Sciences
Policy Analysis and Management
Beyond the Essentials
• Small college with the resources and
benefits of an Ivy League institution
• Collection of unique academic
programs, unmatched in their areas for
quality, depth, and opportunity
• Majors relate to contemporary
issues and are adaptable and highly
interdisciplinary
• Strong liberal arts foundation that
supports career-specific preparation
• Students develop deep analytical skills,
are self-directed yet team-oriented,
and appreciate the world as complex,
multicultural, and dynamic.
Fast Facts
Undergraduate enrollment: 1,218
U.S. states represented: 39
background: 36 percent
International student enrollment:
10 percent
Students who conduct research:
33 percent
Students who participate in
off-campus study: 22 percent
Students who go on to graduate, medical,
law, or other professional schools:
38 percent
Transfer students as part of
incoming class: 28 percent
Sample Courses
Biology and Society: Ethical Issues in
Health and Medicine; Genetics;
Law, Science, and Public Values
Design and Environmental Analysis:
Interior Design Studio; Human Factors:
Ergonomics and Anthropometrics;
Planning and Managing the Workplace
Fiber Science & Apparel Design:
Style, Fashion, and the Apparel Industry;
Biomedical Materials and Devices
for Human Body Repair; Apparel
Production and Management
Human Biology, Health, and Society:
Health and Social Behavior;
U.S. Health Care System; Nutritional
Problems of Developing Nations
Human Development:
Emotional Functions of the Brain;
Memory and the Law; Social Gerontology:
Aging and the Life Course
Nutritional Sciences: Nutrition, Health,
and Society; Social Science Perspectives
on Food and Nutrition; Physiological and
Biochemical Bases of Human Nutrition
Policy Analysis and Management:
Economics of Public Health;
Controversies About Inequality;
Race and Public Policy
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I choose a College of
Human Ecology education?
Consider how our mission, our family of
majors, and our community fit with your
goals and plans for an undergraduate
experience. Do you have a keen interest
in the world around you and understand
your place in it? Do you want to make a
meaningful contribution through work
you value? Do you see a link between
your experiences and interests, and our
programs? Students for whom those
questions resonate should further explore
the College of Human Ecology.
As a student in the College of Human
Ecology, can I explore the other colleges/
schools at Cornell University?
Our undergraduates are required to
broaden their liberal arts foundation by
taking courses throughout the university
and often find courses that complement
their Human Ecology curriculum. This
allows students to focus on their interests
within the college and deepen their
experiences in other areas.
To what types of careers will this
education lead?
The paths that our graduates choose are
as diverse as their interests because they
are confident in their education. Human
Ecology students go on to graduate and
professional programs in health, law, and
business, as well as careers in research,
community outreach, policy, and design.
Students are prepared for whatever
careers compel them immediately after
graduation and throughout their lifetime.
How can I pursue medicine, law,
business, and/or design through the
College of Human Ecology?
While the programs in the college are
focused on pre-professional study, there
is no prescribed pre-med, pre-business, or
pre-law major, or one way to be creative
—any major allows students to take
prerequisite courses for professional and
graduate school. Our curriculum prepares
students to understand our global society,
analyze problems, see possibilities, and
develop solutions through the strategic
use of creativity—without losing sight of
the human component.
Can I participate in research as
an undergraduate?
Research opportunities abound, whether
through honors programs or with faculty.
As part of a research and land-grant
university, Human Ecology faculty
members are engaged in discovering
new knowledge, and they encourage the
participation of undergraduates. Students
are able to participate in research from
early on in their Cornell careers.
How can I organize myself to prepare
my application?
In addition to academic and
extracurricular preparation, students
need to get to know the college.
Students should carefully review our rich
publications and online information.
We invite and encourage you to attend a
scheduled Human Ecology information
session (May through October). Our
admissions staff members provide
guests with an in-depth exploration
of the opportunities in this college
based on individual interests. When
preparing an application, students need
to make and articulate a connection
between the programs we offer and their
experiences and goals. Students should
also demonstrate a commitment to their
school and greater community.
Freshman Admission
Requirements
Secondary-School Subjects
16 units, including 4 of English,
3 of mathematics (including precalculus),
and 3 of science (including 1 of biology,
and 1 of chemistry or physics)
Also recommended: additional unit of
advanced mathematics and science,
and a foreign language
Standardized Testing
SAT or the ACT with Writing
SAT Subject Tests required in
Mathematics (any level) and
one other subject
If English is not your first language:
TOEFL or IELTS*
Special Requirements &
Recommended Preparation
Design and Environmental Analysis:
portfolio and design index required
for interior design option.
Fiber Science & Apparel Design:
design index required for
apparel design, and apparel and
textile management options;
portfolio required for apparel design
and highly recommended for
apparel and textile management.
(For guidelines and index:
www.human.cornell.edu/admissions
or call 607 255-5471.)
Portfolios and design indices
should be sent directly to:
Human Ecology Admissions,
Cornell University,
170 Martha Van Rensselaer Hall,
Ithaca, NY 14853-4401.
Visits encouraged and
information sessions recommended.
Interviews are not offered.
We Are Looking for . . .
Outstanding record of achievement
in a rigorous high school curriculum,
engaged participation in school
and community, and a strong
and demonstrated match with
the college mission and programs.
Please visit www.human.cornell.edu/
admissions/process for our complete
listing and application tips.
* For more information about TOEFL
or IELTS requirements, see the section
“Admission to Cornell” in this book.
13
 The Essentials
School of Industrial and Labor Relations
www.ilr.cornell.edu
607 255-2222
ilr_admissions@cornell.edu
People spend half their
waking lives at work:
change the workplace,
and you’ll change lives.
Are you a problem solver? The
peacemaker among classmates? The
person everyone turns to when there’s a
mix-up, impasse, or disaster? If classes
in contemporary affairs, psychology,
sociology, history, economics, and
government ignite your intellect, or if
you are active in student government,
political campaigns, peer mediation,
mock trials, debate, or conflict
resolution—consider applying to
the ILR School.
The ILR School looks through the
lens of the social sciences to examine
everything related to the world of work:
relationships between employers and
employees, national and international
politics and economics, social history
and welfare policies, leadership
dynamics, accommodation of new
technologies, the psychological aspects
of motivation—and that’s just a start.
The ILR School values diversity and is
a small, friendly, people-oriented place.
You’ll get to know your classmates and
your professors, who are known and
respected throughout the world.
What Sets Us Apart
• Small-college feel with the resources of
a large university
• Outstanding student services
• Full-service career office
• World-class library with a focus on
workplace issues
• Diverse, dynamic student body
• Option to minor in 31 specializations
across campus
14
Beyond the Essentials
Typical Freshman Curriculum
First-Year Writing Seminar I and II
ILR Colloquium: Introduction to the ILR School
Introduction to Organizational Behavior
History of American Labor
Introductory Microeconomics
Introductory Macroeconomics
Science and Technology elective
Western Intellectual Tradition elective
Cultural Perspectives elective
What you should expect from the faculty:
• Expertise in U.S. and international
workplace-related topics
• Textbooks written by ILR researchers,
who are tops in their fields
• Professors who enjoy teaching and advising
undergraduates
• Mentorships for special research projects and
honors theses
What the faculty will expect from you:
• Intellectual curiosity
• Eagerness to read about and discuss topics that
broaden your horizons and challenge your beliefs
• Willingness to engage faculty in and out of class
• Ability to make cross-curricular and cross-
cultural connections
What you can expect from your classmates:
• A diverse group of bright, talented, and socially
active peers
• Broad perspectives on world and political views
• Leaders who are passionate about their causes
• A wide range of interests, backgrounds, and
life experiences
• Idealists with a pragmatic bent who want to better
the workplace and the world
What your classmates will expect from you:
• Active participation in classroom groups and
extracurricular activities
• A passion for intellectual discourse
• An open mind
Major Offered
Industrial and Labor Relations
Fast Facts
Undergraduate enrollment: 881
First-year class size: 156
Number of transfer students: 225
Multicultural students: 271
International students from locations
including Brazil, Canada, China,
Ethiopia, Germany, Israel, Japan,
Mexico, Nigeria, Slovakia,
South Korea, Trinidad, Venezuela
Students who do semester-long
credit internships each year: 65
Students who study abroad: 50
Students who go on to law school:
20–30 percent
Students who go on to other
graduate programs: 10 percent
Students who go into business:
45 percent
Students who go into other fields,
including labor, sports, government,
education: 15 percent
Popular courses:
• Organizational Behavior
• U.S. Labor History
• Negotiations
• Politics of the Global North
• Labor and Employment Law
• Human Resources Management
• Collective Bargaining
• U.S. Business History
• Development of Economic
Thought and Institutions
• Economic Analysis of Sports
• Social Influence and Persuasion
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the study of Industrial and
Labor Relations?
ILR offers a unique undergraduate program
that uses the workplace as a means to study
a wide range of social issues. Rooted in the
social sciences, ILR applies the concepts
of psychology, law, economics, sociology,
political science, history, and statistics to
areas such as management, labor relations,
conflict resolution, and public policy, to
name a few.
What sorts of things do ILR students do
after they graduate?
ILR prepares students for careers in
business, government, law, labor relations,
public policy, public service, Wall Street
(as traders or analysts), financial services,
business and human resource consulting,
sports management, communications, and
many other fields.
What kinds of students does ILR look for?
ILR looks for bright students with
organizational and leadership skills as well
as a strong interest in the fields associated
with Industrial and Labor Relations.
Acceptance is based on composite GPA,
class rank, SAT I and II or ACT scores, an
interest essay, references, and leadership
as evidenced in extracurricular activities,
work, sports, or community activities.
What majors does ILR offer?
ILR offers the Bachelor of Science degree
in Industrial and Labor Relations (that is,
ILR is the major). The ILR major allows
you to focus your interests in one of six
departments or to take a combination
of classes from each. You can also satisfy
credit requirements by taking classes in
approved topics at other Cornell colleges.
General elective credits can be taken in
any of the six other colleges and some
graduate courses are also available.
Can I double major as an ILR student?
Can I declare a minor?
ILR offers one major (no doubles). However,
if you wish to minor in an interest outside
of ILR, there are 31 possible minors in
areas such as Economics, Education,
International Relations, Latino Studies,
Law and Society, and Urban Studies.
How involved are ILR students with Freshman Admission
other Cornell colleges?
Requirements
Some required and many elective courses
are taught at the six other colleges at Secondary-School Subjects
Cornell. ILR students also interact with 16 units, including 4 of English and
other Cornell students in residence halls, 3 of mathematics
student organizations, athletic events,
Also recommended:
campus work-study jobs, and more.
additional mathematics
How many ILR students go on to Standardized Testing
law school?
SAT or the ACT with Writing
ILR will help you develop the analytical SAT Subject Test required in
and critical thinking skills necessary Mathematics (any level)
for the study and practice of law. While ACT test-takers exempt from
there is no formal pre-law major, each Subject Test requirement
If English is not your first language:
year anywhere between 20–30 percent of
TOEFL or IELTS*
graduating ILR seniors enter law school.
Additional students will attend after Special Requirements &
gaining a year or two of work experience. Recommended Preparation
Visits encouraged and information
Can I study abroad as part of my sessions recommended.
undergraduate experience? Freshman interviews are not offered.
ILR encourages study abroad for a single
We Are Looking for . . .
semester or a full academic year. Students
Strong leadership skills, rigorous high
can work closely with ILR’s Study
school curriculum, and outstanding
Abroad advisor to select an approved record of academic achievement.
international study program for their
* For more information about TOEFL
junior or senior year.
or IELTS requirements, see the section
“Admission to Cornell” in this book.
Are internships available?
Yes—two kinds, in fact. The ILR
School has a well-developed and
supervised credit-internship program
with both domestic and international
opportunities. Students typically work
in an organization while also working on
a research topic with their sponsoring
faculty member. Students can find other
career-based internships over school
breaks and the summer by using the
resources available in ILR’s Office of
Career Services.
How do I get involved in research with a
faculty member?
Students may apply for an undergraduate
research assistant position with a faculty
member either for the summer or for
the academic year. Funding is often
available. Students may also propose an
independent study research project or, for
those who qualify academically, senior
honors research (which culminates in a
thesis).
15
 The Essentials
Admission to Cornell
www.admissions.cornell.edu
607 255-5241
admissions@cornell.edu
What Cornell Looks For
The admission process at Cornell is personalized,
individualized, and highly selective. Everything
about you matters to us. Your application materials
are carefully reviewed and thoughtfully considered
because we want to learn as much about you as we
can—from where you were born to why you chose
certain academic courses.
It is safe to say that numbers are important. But a
high level of achievement in a challenging curriculum
is just the beginning. We know that in order to feel
prepared and to sustain yourself here you also will
need a keen intellect, a strong sense of self, intense
passion, and an unwavering love of learning.
A thorough reading of your application allows us
to learn more about your abilities, achievements,
motivation, leadership, compassion, and integrity.
Your essays and recommendations and your
involvement in extracurricular activities, hobbies,
after-school and summer jobs, and volunteer work
all serve to demonstrate who you are at this moment.
The opportunities that you have taken advantage of in
your life will show us what you care about. The talents
that you have determined most special to you—and
chosen to hone—help us get a clearer picture of what
resonates with you.
In putting together our class, we select from
among the most promising individuals in the United
States and throughout the world. We seek students
from cities, suburbs, and rural areas; students from
public, parochial, college prep, alternative, and home
schools; and students from a variety of racial, ethnic,
social, and personal backgrounds. No one is denied
admission because of race, religion, national or ethnic
origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability.
And your ability to afford Cornell plays absolutely
no part in our admission decision. This “need-blind”
admission policy allows Cornell to vigorously support
equality of opportunity. What results is a true diversity
of persons and experiences on our campus. Many say
that this is the best thing about Cornell.
16
Applying to Cornell
To apply to Cornell University as a freshman, you will need
to complete and submit:
• the Common Application and
• the Cornell Supplement to the Common Application.
If you are applying as a transfer student, complete and submit:
• the Transfer Common Application and
• the Cornell Transfer Supplement to the
Common Application.
Application instructions for both freshman and transfer
applicants can be found online at admissions.cornell.edu/apply.
The Common Application and the Cornell Supplement forms
can be completed online at commonapp.org.
Apply as a freshman if:
• you’ll complete high school during the current
academic year or
• you’ve graduated from high school but have earned fewer
than 12 credits at a college or university.
Apply as a transfer student if:
• you are (or have been) a full-time college student or
• you have earned 12 or more credits at a college or
university since graduating from high school.
Apply as a visiting student if:
• you want to enroll for up to two semesters and take a
full program of study. (Follow the transfer application
instructions; a visiting student cannot be a candidate for a
Cornell degree and is not eligible to receive financial aid.)
Choosing a College or School
Students applying to Cornell choose from among seven
undergraduate colleges and schools and scores of majors and
programs of study. Recognizing that the university offers a
multitude of distinctive academic programs, that there are a
number of ways to study a particular field, and that applicants
may have diverse intellectual interests that can be satisfied by
more than one college, Cornell offers applicants the option of
applying to two colleges/schools. Applicants opting to apply
to two colleges/schools under the primary/alternate admission
option must satisfy the application requirements for both.
Applicants also are asked to specify their choice of major
with each college/school on the Cornell Supplement. The
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of
Architecture, Art, and Planning require the selection of a
major, while the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of
Human Ecology, and the College of Engineering allow you to
select a specific major or indicate that you are undecided. The
School of Hotel Administration and the School of Industrial
and Labor Relations each offer only one major.
Opportunities for Underrepresented or Architecture in the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning
Economically Disadvantaged Students or to the School of Hotel Administration. An interview is
Through New York State’s Educational Opportunity recommended for applicants who wish to major in Art in
Program (EOP) and Higher Education Opportunity Program the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning. To schedule
the interview you should contact the college to which you
(HEOP), Cornell University offers a network of services for
underrepresented or economically disadvantaged students, have applied.
including a pre-freshman summer program.
Meetings with Members of the Cornell Alumni
Admissions Ambassador Network
Application Requirements
Each of the seven undergraduate colleges and schools at Cornell Once you apply to Cornell, an alumnus or alumna in your area
has its own specific requirements for admission. Please review may contact you to schedule a time to talk. While this optional,
“The Essentials” for more information. informal conversation helps the admission committee get to
know you better, its main purpose is to give you an opportunity
Standardized Tests to ask any questions you may have about Cornell. This meeting
Students applying for fall 2011 freshman admission should submit does not take the place of the admission interview, if one
scores from the SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT with Writing. is required.
SAT Subject Test requirements are college-specific and are listed
in “The Essentials.” Official score reports must be sent directly Early Decision Plan
to Cornell from the testing agency; scores that appear on high
If Cornell is your first choice, consider applying under the early-
school transcripts are not official. decision plan. Your application will be read in the fall, and you
will be notified by mid-December of Cornell’s decision. And
Please note that Cornell does not participate in the College
Board’s Score Choice. If submitting the SAT Reasoning Test and because we consider enthusiasm for Cornell a plus, early-decision
the required SAT Subject Tests, plan to sumbit all scores. applicants stand a slightly better chance of gaining admission.
Important: An early decision application is a commitment.
English Proficiency Requirement
If you’re admitted to Cornell, you are required to withdraw
If you are an international applicant, and English isn’t your first
any applications you’ve sent to other schools and to send your
language (even if you have attended an English medium school),
enrollment deposit by early January.
you will need to demonstrate your English language competency
While early-decision acceptances to Cornell are binding,
by having your score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language
students may be eligible to be released from the early-decision
(TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System
(IELTS) exam sent to Cornell, as well as by sending an English agreement if the financial aid award does not make a Cornell
teacher recommendation. For further information on the English education affordable for applicants and families (who have
applied for financial aid). We encourage applicants and families
proficiency requirement, or to see if you qualify for exemption
from the TOEFL or IELTS, visit admissions.cornell.edu/apply. to work closely with the Office of Financial Aid and Student
Employment to make a Cornell education affordable.
Interviews
If you’re a freshman applicant, you will be required to have
an admission interview only if you apply to the major in
Admission Timetable
What’s Due Early-Decision Freshman Applicants Regular-Decision Freshman Applicants
Submit SAT Reasoning Test or ACT no later than November no later than December
Submit SAT Subject Tests no later than November no later than December
Submit Common Application and Cornell Supplement by November 1 by January 3
Admission Decisions to Applicants mid-December early April*
Your response to Cornell early January May 1 or two weeks after you receive
Cornell’s offer, whichever is later
* The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, School of Hotel Administration, and School of Industrial and Labor Relations
will begin decision notification as early as the beginning of March.
17
 The Essentials
Financing a Cornell Education

www.finaid.cornell.edu
607 255-5145
finaid@cornell.edu
Overview
In keeping with Ezra Cornell’s vision of “any person, any
study”—and consistent with financial aid policies throughout
the Ivy League—the university has maintained a long history
of need-based aid. As a result of our commitment to access
for students regardless of economic circumstances, Cornell is
one of the most socio-economically diverse universities in the
United States.
To further our commitment to help make the cost of a Cornell
education affordable, the university has eliminated need-based
loans for all undergraduate students from families with total
income under $75,000. For undergraduate students from fami-
lies with total income between $75,000 and $120,000, need-
based student loans are capped at $3,000 annually, and for
undergraduate students from families with total income above
Financial Aid Equation #1: Determining Need
$120,000, need-based student loans are capped at $7,500.
In addition, for students from families with total income
under $60,000 and total assets less than $100,000, there
will be no parental contribution.
A financial aid package will be determined based on your
financial need. We define financial need as the difference
between how much it costs to attend Cornell and the
amount you and your family can contribute toward that cost.
We determine and meet your need by developing a
financial aid equation that has two components: the first
component is how we determine your financial need; the
second component is how we establish a financial aid
package to meet your need.
Financial Aid Equation #2: Meeting Need
Tuition and Student Activities Fee 2010–2011
Frequently Asked Questions
Endowed Colleges What are the financial aid requirements
Architecture, Art, and Planning; Arts and Sciences; and deadlines?
Please refer to the chart below for information on
Engineering; Hotel Administration $39,666
Contract Colleges requirements and deadlines. If you have any questions,
we invite you to visit the financial aid web site or call our
Agriculture and Life Sciences; Human Ecology; Industrial and
Labor Relations office. We will be happy to assist you.
New York State resident* $23,526
Non-New York State resident 39,666 Who determines how much financial aid I receive—
is it a computer or a person?
*A resident is a person whose permanent domicile is in the state of New York. The domicile of a student under
21 is presumed to be that of his or her custodial parent(s), unless the student provides acceptable proof of We provide you with knowledgeable, trained, and
emancipation.
professional staff who will not only review your initial
Estimated Living Expenses 2010–2011 application for aid but will work with you and your family
throughout your undergraduate years at Cornell.
Housing $7,500*
Dining 5,150* Will my financial aid award change from year to year?
Books and supplies 780† All financial aid recipients must apply for financial aid
Personal expenses 1,580* each year. The determination of need is based on the
Note: This table does not include travel allowances. financial information that is provided by you and your
*Costs of an undergraduate double room and Bear Traditional meal plan. family. If your circumstances remain relatively stable
†
The estimated cost of books and supplies for undergraduates in the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning or from year to year, then your financial aid package will
in the Department of Design and Environmental Analysis in the College of Human Ecology is $1,320.
also remain stable. While there are some adjustments
due to cost increases (such as tuition), Cornell will
Need-Based Grant Recipients
by Income, 2009–2010
try to provide a consistent aid package throughout your
28% college years.

Your costs at Cornell1 Cornell’s commitment is $0–$74,999 Can I receive financial aid if I am an

$
45.5% international student?
• tuition cost (based on the college you choose to meet your need 100%. $75,000–$119,999 26.5%
Yes, Cornell is pleased to be able to provide financial aid
and residency status) $120,000 and above
We take these steps to meet your need: to students who are citizens of countries other than the
• student activities fee
• Cornell will consider any federal or state grants United States. Funding is limited and selection is highly
• housing and dining Distribution of Need-Based Grant aid, 2008-2009 competitive.
for which you may be eligible. Family Income Percent of Students Receiving Grant Aid
• books and supplies
• personal expenses • Depending on your total family income, Cornell $0–$74,999 98% What are the financing options if I do not qualify
will determine your student loan amount. The student loan $75,000–$119,999 96% for financial aid?
will range from $0 to $7,500 annually. $120,000 and above* 67% Financing options for families who do not demonstrate
Your family’s ability to pay • All students who have demonstrated need will be provided *Generally, families with higher incomes receive need-based aid because they have multiple children in college.
financial need include non-need-based loans from outside
sources, federal parent and student loans, and Cornell’s
based on an employment award; the amount is $2,000 for
Student Employment 2009–2010 interest-free installment plan.
• income 2010–2011.
• assets • Students may be awarded one or more of several • Number of Cornell departments hiring student employees: 408
• household size university and college/school awards that each carries • Number of undergrads employed on campus: 7,979
• number of children enrolled in special recognition. These awards are used to meet need • Total wages earned on campus: more than $10 million
undergraduate college (full-time) and are built into the financial aid award. • Average number of hours worked per week: 9
• special circumstances that impact • Students will be considered for university grants. • Wages range from $7.25–$17.00/hour depending on job complexity
your family’s finances

Financial Aid Timetable

Your own contribution What’s Due Early-Decision Freshman Applicants Regular-Decision Freshman Applicants
based on
• your summer and prior-year’s earnings CSS PROFILE* completed online at www.collegeboard.com November 1 February 15

• a portion of your personal savings and assets A copy of your and your parents’ signed 2010 federal income tax February 15 February 15
For more information about financing a returns, including all schedules and W-2 forms, to Cornell (to verify your aid eligibility)
Cornell education, contact the Office of
Financial Aid and Student Employment: FAFSA completed online at www.fafsa.ed.gov February 15 February 15
(to verify your aid eligibility)
Your need ($) telephone: 607 255-5145
Financial aid notifications to admitted students mid-December early April
e-mail: finaid@cornell.edu
* If you are required to file the Noncustodial Parents’ Profile, complete the online form at www.collegeboard.com by the same date. Cornell’s CSS Profile number is 2098.
web: finaid.cornell.edu
1
Other expenses may include Cornell’s Student Health Insurance Program (SHIP), Cornell
Fitness Center membership fees, and class fees or project costs. You can request an
adjustment to your aid package to cover these costs.
18 19
 The Essentials
Visiting Cornell
www.admissions.cornell.edu/visit
607 255-5241
admissions@cornell.edu
There are many ways to learn more about Cornell—the academic
environment, the social scene, and everything in between—and
the campus visit is one of the best ways to do so. It is easy to
personalize your visit based on your individual interests, and the
information here can help you get started.
Information Sessions
Sessions that are offered include a general university overview, as well
as specific information on each of the seven undergraduate colleges
(academic programs, career opportunities, admission requirements), the
application process, and our generous financial aid programs.
Campus Tours
Offered every day of the week, except when the university is closed
during the Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks. Led by our student tour
guides—some of the friendliest and most knowledgeable students you will
ever have the pleasure of meeting!
Visit a Class
Attend a class that interests you. Choose from introductory to higher-
level courses, across all of our seven undergraduate colleges. You don’t
have to take notes, but you may want to! Courses you can visit are posted
calendar
on the Admissions web site early in the fall and spring semesters.
Get Hosted Overnight
Spend a night in the residence halls as a guest of a Red Carpet Society
member. See first-hand what it is like to live and learn in the Cornell
community.
For more information, schedules, and RSVP forms for the
information sessions, go to www.admissions.cornell.edu/visit.
And may we suggest:
• Taking in a panoramic view of Ithaca and Cayuga Lake
from the top floor of the Johnson Art Museum. Make sure
to check out the fabulous collections and exhibits on the
way to the top.
• Strolling through the Cornell Plantations, our living plant
museum, to see what is in bloom.
• Pleasing your palate in one (or more) of our 31 dining
locations.
• Climbing the 161 steps to the top of the McGraw Clock
Tower to take in the spectacular view and experience a
live Cornell Chimes concert.
• Channeling your inner scientist by touring the Wilson
Synchrotron, located in Cornell’s high-energy synchrotron
radiation lab.
• Sampling the fare and checking out local-made goods at
the Ithaca Farmers’ Market.
• Taking in the sights and sounds of birds and other
wildlife at the Lab of Ornithology, located in the beautiful
Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary.
• Enjoying this year’s apple harvest at the Cornell Orchards.
A great way to take a “taste” of Cornell home with you.
20
Visit Cornell from Anywhere in the World
If you can’t make it to campus, don’t worry—whether or not
you visit is not a consideration when we evaluate applications
for admission. Below you will find many ways to “visit” and
learn more about Cornell without stepping foot on campus.
Here are some of the more popular sites, and a few hidden
gems, that may interest you:
CornellCast www.cornell.edu/video
Features video and audio recordings of compelling lectures,
discussions, and performances by members of the Cornell
community and distinguished guests.
CyberTower cybertower.cornell.edu
Study rooms and forums featuring Cornell faculty.
Life on the Hill Blogs www.cornell.edu/studentlife/blogs
Real students. Real stories. Real life.
Talk to a Student Ambassador
admissions.cornell.edu/contact/ambassadors.cfm
Exchange emails with Cornell students excited about hearing from you.
Fall Term 2010
New undergraduate
student registration Friday, August 20
Residence halls open Friday, August 20
Orientation begins Friday, August 20
Instruction begins Wednesday, August 25
Fall Break begins Saturday, October 9
Instruction resumes Wednesday, October 13
Thanksgiving Recess begins Wednesday, November 24
Instruction resumes Monday, November 29
Last day of classes Saturday, December 5
Study period Sunday, December 5–
Wednesday, December 8
Exams Wednesday, December 8–
Friday, December 17
Winter Session 2010-2011
Period begins Monday, December 27
3-week classes begin Monday, January 3
Winter session period ends Friday, January 21
Spring Term 2011
Instruction begins Monday, January 24
Spring Break begins Saturday, March 19
Instruction resumes Monday, March 28
Last day of classes Saturday, May 7
Study period Sunday, May 8–
Wednesday, May 11
Exams Wednesday, May 11–
Friday, May 20
Commencement Sunday, May 29
Summer Session 2011
3-week session begins Wednesday, June 1
8-week session begins Monday, June 13
3-week session final exams Friday, June 24
6-week session begins Monday, June 27
6- and 8-week Monday, August 8 and
session final exams Tuesday, August 9