College Insights: Cornell University
In a special online session on September 15th, meeting with admissions representatives from Cornell University, we gain unique insights into their admissions process as well as general university updates. Below is a recap of important points.
Hosts:
Shawn Felton, Executive Director of Undergraduate Admissions and deputy chief admissions and enrollment officer
Marina Fried, Associate Director of Admissions
What does the typical profile look like for Cornell's class of 2026? Find out here: https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2022/08/talented-class-26-begins-fall-semester
Standardized Testing
The University will remain test-optional for two more cycles.
In the admit decisions, the difference between students who shared standardized testing scores versus students who didn't was only 5%.
What type of students typically sent scores? STEM students.
8 colleges within Cornell are score free, which is an individual college decision.
Admissions Engagement
"Cornell does not take demonstrated interest into consideration in the review process."
Caveat: Building a report with the admissions will always be in your favor because they know you better, regardless of whether or not they claim to measure your interest.
Virtual Engagement has become a centerpiece of their engagement offerings. The University has developed a very robust system to offer students greater insight into the Cornell experience. You will find virtual tours, information sessions, program-specific seminars, and more.
Cornell does not accept standard admissions interviews at this time. Instead, applicants who are interested in speaking with a member of the Cornell community may request to speak with a member of the Cornell Alumni Admissions Ambassador Network (CAAAN).
Caveat: Interviews are still considered part of the admissions process for specific programs, such as Architecture and Fine Arts.
Other engagement opportunities:
Live chat option on website (available 9am - 4pm Eastern Standard Time)
Current student ambassadors who share their own unique experiences
Helpful links:
General Admissions Details
Email additional Letters of Recommendation or supplementary materials that you would like to be considered to undergradapp@cornell.edu -- not admissions@cornell.edu or any of the regional email addresses.
You can also submit certain supplementary materials through the Cornell portal, which will be available to students after the application is submitted on the Common App.
Caveat: Be sure you don't double-submit information, which could cause confusion or delay in the assessment of your application. Double-submitting could occur if you have already offered the same information through CommonApp or via undergradapp@cornell.edu.
Legacies! Are they considered? "Legacy is part of the info we know or gather in the process, [but] calling it a factor will be overstating it."
Let's decode this! Essentially, legacy is not an important factor in the decision-making process. It could not, for example, outweigh below-average ACT scores or a weaker essay. But it is noted, observed and considered.
The College of Engineering is now requiring one Letter of Recommendation to be dedicated to a math teacher (typically of the Calculus or Pre-Calculus level).
Caveat: for the Class of 2023, as many Letters of Recommendation were already requested and underway during the time in which this decision was made, the admissions team will allow students to submit a Teacher Letter of Recommendation from the areas of Physics or Computer Science in lieu of Math. This is in an effort to provide some flexibility during a year in which the rules are changing.
Final Admissions Thoughts
There has been an evolution over the last few years in the way in which students are evaluated (as expected with the changes implemented from Covid). Certain pre-Covid features aren't going to return to the space of admissions, and at the same time, new insights and strategies will start emerging. For example:
Cornell's supplemental essay has evolved this year to better ascertain if a student is truly ready to be on Cornell's campus.
New detail-related questions have been added to Cornell's section of the CommonApp to obtain further insights into the student's overall profile.
The importance of Letter of Recommendations has increased as the weight on test scores has decreased. The admissions committee is striving to understand better what the student has been exposed to in the classroom to ensure that student is ready for Cornell's level of rigor.
The KEY trait they look for continues to be preparedness.
University Updates
Cornell has added new majors! Examples are:
All 5 residence halls now house freshmen and sophomores (read more on the North Campus expansion). You can also expect brand new dining options as part of this development.
Are you in need of application assistance? How about help with college selection, essay writing or admissions interview prep? Let us know!
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