Cornell University Acceptance Rate, SAT/ACT Scores

Located in Ithaca, New York, Cornell University is an Ivy League research university with an acceptance rate of 10.6%. Considering applying to this highly selective school? Here are the Cornell admissions statistics you should know. Acceptance Rate During the 2017-18 admissions cycle, Cornell University had an acceptance rate of 10.6%. This means that for every 100 students who applied, 10 students were admitted, making Cornell’s admissions process highly competitive. Admissions Statistics (2017-18) Number of Applicants 51,324 Percent Admitted 10.6% Percent Admitted Who Enrolled 61% SAT Scores and Requirements Cornell requires that all applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores. During the 2017-18 admissions cycle, 70.7% of of admitted students submitted SAT scores. SAT Range (Admitted Students) Section 25th Percentile 75th Percentile ERW 680 750 Math 710 790 ERW=Evidence-Based Reading and Writing This admissions dataset tells us that most of Cornell’s admitted students fall within the top 7% nationally on the SAT.  For the evidence-based reading and writing section, 50% of students admitted to Cornell scored between 680 and 750, while 25% scored below 680 and 25% scored above 750. On the math section, 50% of admitted students scored between 710 and 790, while 25% scored below 710 and 25% scored above 790.  Applicants with a composite SAT score of 1540 or higher will have particularly competitive chances at Cornell. Requirements Cornell does not require the SAT writing section. Note that Cornell participates in the Score Choice program, which means that the admissions office will consider your highest score from each individual section across all SAT test dates. At Cornell, SAT subject test requirements vary according to the college to which you’re applying, so make sure to review the requirements for your application. ACT Scores and Requirements Cornell requires that all applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores. During the 2016-17 admissions cycle, 56% of admitted students submitted ACT scores. ACT Range (Admitted Students) Section 25th Percentile 75th Percentile English 32 35 Math 30 35 Composite 31 34 This admissions data tells us that most of Cornells admitted students fall within the top 5% nationally on the ACT. The middle 50% of students admitted to Cornell received a composite ACT score between 31 and 34, while 25% scored above 34 and 25% scored below 31. In general, applicants must have test scores well above the national average to be competitive for admission to Cornell (as well as any of the other Ivy League schools.) Requirements Cornell does not require the ACT writing section. Note that Cornell does not superscore ACT results; your highest composite ACT score will be considered. Regardless of whether you submit the ACT or SAT, you may still be required to submit SAT subject test scores to Cornell (dependent on program to which you apply). GPA Cornell does not provide data about admitted students’ high school GPAs. Self-Reported GPA/SAT/ACT Graph Cornell Applicants’ Self-Reported GPA/SAT/ACT Graph. Data courtesy of Cappex. The admissions data in the graph is self-reported by applicants to Cornell University. GPAs are unweighted. Find out how you compare to accepted students, see the real-time graph, and calculate your chances of getting in with a free Cappex account. Admissions Chances Cornell University has a highly competitive admissions pool with a low acceptance rate and high average SAT/ACT scores. However, Cornell has  holistic admissions process involving other factors beyond your grades and test scores. A strong application essay and glowing letters of recommendation can strengthen your application, as can participation in meaningful extracurricular activities. Students with particularly compelling stories or achievements can still receive serious consideration even if their test scores are outside Cornell’s typical range. All admissions data has been sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics and Cornell University Undergraduate Admissions Office.