When do Cornell decisions come out? Read on to learn when you can expect to hear back from Cornell University!
As one of the top 20 schools in the U.S., Cornell University is a prestigious university that attracts brilliant scholars each year. If you’ve applied to Cornell or plan to, you’re probably wondering when Cornell's decisions come out.
This guide will cover early and regular decision Cornell notification dates, ways to apply, and more.
Cornell identifies as a private research university with a public mission. The school’s mission statement is “to discover, preserve and disseminate knowledge, to educate the next generation of global citizens, and to promote a culture of broad inquiry throughout and beyond the Cornell community.”
As one of eight Ivy League schools, Cornell undergraduates can enjoy the school's plentiful resources, including research centers and institutes, labs, and programs.
Cornell has eight undergraduate schools for students to choose from:
With nearly 80 majors and 122 minors, students can enroll in classes that transcend department boundaries.
Bookworms and library lovers can also spend time in the Cornell University Library’s cozy atmosphere. Librarians are available 24/7 to help you navigate endless collections and delve deeper into your interest areas.
If you're looking for a step-by-step manual on how to get into Cornell, take a look at our Cornell guide.
Cornell releases admission decisions for first-year, regular-decision applicants in late March, while early-decision candidates receive their decisions in mid-December. The 2024/2025 admissions cycle dates are subject to change, but as of now, early decision applications are due November 1, with decisions expected in mid-December.
Regular decision applicants should submit their applications by January 2, with decisions usually released in early April. The Cornell regular decision release date coincides with Ivy League Decision Day, typically in early April.
For transfer students, spring semester applications are due on October 15, with decisions in November, while fall semester applications are due on March 15, with decisions in May or June.
There are four ways to apply to Cornell University: through early decision, regular decision, or as a spring or fall transfer student. All Cornell applications are submitted using the Common Application.
Please note that when you apply to Cornell, you apply to one of its undergraduate schools, not the university as a whole. You’re prohibited from switching colleges you mark on your application after submission, so choose wisely!
If you’re a high school student or not currently enrolled in college, you may consider early decision if Cornell is your first-choice school. Cornell’s early decision program is binding, meaning you must attend and withdraw any other applications.
Most applicants choose to apply through regular decision. You’ll receive your admissions decision around the same time as you would for all other schools you apply to.
To apply as a transfer student, you must have earned at least 12 credits at another college. Two Cornell schools don't accept spring transfers: The College of Engineering and The Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management.
You must submit many of the same materials you would as a first-year student, with minor differences. For example, you must have a recommendation letter from one of your college professors.
You may have differing deadlines for mandatory supplements such as portfolios depending on the school you apply to.
Let's dive into what it takes to get into Cornell. The video will cover admissions stats, requirements, and practical advice to boost your chances. Check it out for actionable tips.
Now that you know when Cornell decisions come out, you can decide which timeline works best for you. Below are the benefits and considerations of each application timeline.
While most applicants apply through regular decision, Cornell receives thousands of early applications each year. These are the pros of applying through early decision:
early applicants often produce high-quality applications
There are also some downsides to consider with early decision:
Cornell's early decision application is best for students who know the school is their first choice, can complete an application on time, and are comfortable with their estimated financial aid package.
Dan Stratford, a two-time Stanford University School of Business graduate and Quad admissions consultant, notes that showing real interest in a school can be done through early decision:
“One of the ways you can show passion and commitment to a school is through early decision. You should show that you're really passionate about it and one of the ways you can do that is through doing an early action or early decision.”
Make sure early decision feels right:
“What I would caution against is if it's not right, don't do it. It has to be authentic.”
Most students apply through regular decision. These are the benefits:
Regular decision applicants should also consider that:
Regular decision is best for students who need more time to complete their applications, want to compare financial aid packages, and aren’t sure Cornell is their first-choice school.
Transfer applicants can choose to apply for the spring or fall semesters. The main difference between these application timelines is that you can’t apply to The College of Engineering and The Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management as a spring transfer.
Overall, when to apply as a transfer is up to you. It may be easier to transfer if you enroll for the fall, but a spring transfer gives you more time to craft your application in your sophomore year.
Curious about your shot at Cornell? Take Quad’s Will I Get Into Cornell Quiz. It's quick, easy, and tailored to help you understand where you stand in the admissions process. Check out this tool to boost your confidence and make informed decisions about your college journey.
If you still have questions about Cornell decisions and more, check out these FAQs!
Cornell's regular decision notification is typically released between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Ivy Day.
You can check the status of your application by accessing your Application Status Page.
Cornell doesn’t provide an exact date for when Early Decision notifications come out, but you should expect to hear back sometime in mid-December.
Recent class profile data shows that the school received 9,520 early applications and accepted 1,736 students. The Cornell early decision acceptance rate is 18.2%.
Cornell admits 500 to 600 transfer students each spring and fall.
After accepting an estimated 3,403 regular decision applications, Cornell currently has an acceptance rate of about 5.8%.
Since the school admits 500 to 600 students on average each spring and fall, the Cornell transfer acceptance rate depends on the number of students who apply. Based on the most recent admissions cycle, it currently stands at 17.09%.
Waiting for an admission decision from Cornell University can be nerve-wracking, but at least you now know when Cornell RD notifications come out. Whether you applied early or not, there's not much else you can do while you wait for your decision but to go about your regular life.
With enough patience, you’ll receive your admissions decision before you know it. Good luck with your applications!
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