Guaranteed Transfer at Cornell—What's Involved?

Hey guys, I heard Cornell has a 'guaranteed transfer' option for some students. Can someone explain the process and requirements for it? How does it differ from regular admission? Thanks in advance!

Hello! The 'guaranteed transfer' option at Cornell is an alternative admissions pathway for students who were initially not admitted as freshmen but show strong potential. The University offers this opportunity to select applicants, indicating that they're guaranteed a transfer to Cornell if they meet certain requirements after enrolling in another institution and completing coursework there.

To take advantage of the guaranteed transfer option, you'll need to complete specific courses and maintain a certain GPA during your freshman year at another accredited college or university. The requirements vary depending on the college at Cornell you've been given the guarantee for. For example, if you've been offered a guaranteed transfer for the College of Engineering, you might be required to complete courses like calculus, physics, and chemistry with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher.

When applying as a guaranteed transfer student, you'll not have to submit a new application, and your spot will be confirmed without going through the regular transfer admissions process. However, you must meet all the conditions stated in your letter, submit your final transcripts, and keep up with deadlines.

The key difference between regular transfer admission and the guaranteed transfer option is the level of certainty; guaranteed transfer students have a high level of assurance that they'll get a spot at Cornell, provided they meet the specific requirements. Regular transfer students, on the other hand, have no such guarantee and must go through a more competitive application process.

Keep in mind that the guaranteed transfer option is not available for all applicants; only a select few receive this offer in their original decision letter. If you've received the guaranteed transfer option, it could be a great opportunity to attend Cornell and earn your degree after getting a solid start at another institution. Make sure to fulfill all the requirements outlined in your letter to ensure a smooth transition. Good luck!