Cornell University, a privately endowed research university in New York, stands out as a prestigious institution, a beacon of academic excellence. Seeped in a history of more than 150 years of excellence in education, research, and public engagement, securing a spot in this prestigious Ivy League school is a hope that many achieving students aspire for. Cornell is an extremely selective university. If a student does not meet their academic requirements, the rest of the application may not even be read. Understanding the acceptance rate provides insight into the competition but also helps students in planning their preparation to enhance their chances of admission.
Changing Trends
Cornell offered admission to 5,139 students to the Class of 2028, a four percent increase to last year’s 4,994 acceptances. Cornell Admits 5,139 Students to Class of 2028—The Cornell Daily Sun. Among regular decision applicants, the acceptance rate remained consistent at 4.99%, with 3,077 students receiving acceptance from a pool of 61,609 applications. The Early Decision round, which accounted for 51.8% of the class, boasted an acceptance rate of 19.18% from 9,555 applicants.
The institution revealed that 9,515 applicants applied for its early round of the Class of 2027, and 1,670 were accepted, representing a 17.55 percent acceptance rate. Cornell admitted 1,831 of 9,555 early decision applications to the Class of 2026 for a 19.2 percent acceptance rate (a 2.2 percent decline from the Class of 2025).
Geographical Diversity
Admitted students hail from all 50 states and all parts of the world. The 3,574 students in the incoming Class of 2028 come from cities and rural communities, from every U.S. state (plus D.C. and Puerto Rico), and 57 countries, with 16.3% of this year’s admits being first-generation students.
Standardized Testing
The world is still reeling under the aftereffects of the pandemic and the disruption it caused to education. Taking cognizance of this situation, the university is providing students with time to prepare and take the standardized tests. As a result, Cornell will remain test-optional for those applying to enroll for fall 2025 in the College of Arts and Sciences, Cornell Engineering, the College of Human Ecology, the Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy, and the School of Industrial and Labor Relations. However, while the submission of SAT and/or ACT scores is optional, it is recommended.
A diverse student body
Cornell complied with the court’s mandate and reported race and ethnicity data was not considered in the admissions review cycle. According to the data released by the university, Black, Native American, and Hispanic student enrollment dropped markedly between the classes of 2027 and 2028, while the proportion of Asian first-years rose slightly.
Competitiveness
Cornell University is synonymous with academic excellence. The students of Cornell are exceptional in academics as well as extracurriculars. The admissions committee looks for students with strong grades in challenging courses, a high GPA, and a high standardized test score.
With its diverse array of programs across various colleges, including the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Engineering, and School of Hotel Administration, it attracts top-tier students from around the globe.
The college’s commitment to diversity not only enriches the campus experience but also prepares students to thrive in a globalized world, thereby increasing the level of competition.
Cornell’s generous financial aid to deserving students and its commitment to providing accessibility increase the pool of applicants and intensify the competition for available spots.
Aspiring to join the Cornell community requires not only outstanding academic credentials but also a demonstration of unique personal qualities and a commitment to contributing to the university’s rich tapestry.
