How is the college transfer process at Cornell?

I'm considering applying to Cornell as a transfer student. Can anyone share their experience or insight into how hard it is to transfer there? What should I know before applying?

The process of transferring to Cornell University is relatively straightforward, but it can be competitive. When considering transfer applications, the university looks at your college GPA, the types of courses you've taken, your high school academic performance and the number of credits you've earned. Extracurricular activities and personal essays also matter a lot in the admissions process.

If you look at the numbers, in recent years, Cornell's overall transfer acceptance rate has been about 12-14%, which shows you that applying as a transfer student is competitive. This varies by college within Cornell: some like the School of Industrial and Labor Relations have higher transfer rates around 20-25%, while others like the College of Engineering have lower rates, around 10%.

One unique factor about Cornell is that it has seven undergraduate colleges, each with its own focus. When you apply, you apply to one of the colleges, not the university as a whole. This means you'll need to have a clear idea of your academic interests and make a compelling case in your application for why you're a good fit for the specific college at Cornell to which you're applying.

The university requires that students complete at least two years of study at Cornell to earn a bachelor's degree there. This means that you need to plan your transfer to give you enough time to meet this requirement.

Keep in mind that Cornell is not a participant in the Common Application for transfers, so you'll be applying directly through the university's system. As such, make sure you check the specific application requirements and deadlines for the college to which you're applying.

In your essays, consider the unique aspects of Cornell that attracted you, and why you feel that a change of schools would best serve your academic and career objectives. This could involve specific professors you wish to work with, resources only available at Cornell, or particular courses or programs relevant to your goals.

Finally, keep in mind the financial aspect as well: while Cornell does provide financial aid to transfer students, it's a good idea to run their Net Price Calculator to get an estimate of what you might be asked to contribute.

Good luck with your application, and I hope this information is helpful!