Transferring from Community College to Cornell: How does it work?

Has anyone transferred to Cornell from a community college? I'm curious about what the application process is like and what specific requirements or courses I should focus on to improve my chances of getting in.

Transferring to Cornell from a community college can certainly be an excellent move, and it's a journey many students have successfully made. The application process, while as intense as for first-time applicants, is geared to assess your ability to thrive in an Ivy League setting, taking into account your work at the college level.

Cornell's transfer application is available through the Common App. You’ll need to include college transcripts, high school transcripts, and letters of recommendation from your current professors. Make sure your professors know you well and can highlight your strengths, intellectual curiosity, and work ethic, as well as your potential to succeed at Cornell.

Have a strong GPA, preferably above 3.5, since the admissions committee assesses your academic potential through your performance in your existing college classes. However, bear in mind that the acceptance rate for transfer students is significantly lower than for incoming freshmen, making the entire process highly competitive.

Course-wise, spend your time in community college focusing on classes that correspond with the intended major you want to pursue at Cornell. Research what classes are required for that major at Cornell and see if there are equivalents at your community college you could take as prep work. Note that some Cornell colleges have recommended courses for various majors. Additional requirements, such as a minimum amount of credits, can also vary depending on the school you're applying to within Cornell.

Last but not least, Cornell values applicants who demonstrate a genuine commitment to their chosen field of study. This means your extracurricular activities, internships, jobs, or research in your intended field will be an essential part of your application, so be sure to highlight these experiences in your application.

All the best with your transfer application!