Transferring to Cornell Engineering from a Community College

I'm currently at a community college studying engineering and considering transferring to Cornell. What are the key steps and requirements I need to know to make this transfer successful? Any tips or things to watch out for?

The transfer application process to Cornell Engineering is unique, so you've made a wise decision to gather information ahead. As you probably know, it is a competitive process, but community college students do transfer to Cornell, so it's entirely achievable with the right preparation.

1. GPA: Ensure you maintain a strong GPA at your current college, as one of the important factors considered in transfer applications is academic performance. Cornell Engineering doesn't provide an explicit GPA requirement for transfers, but they typically look for strong academic records equivalent to a Cornell cumulative GPA of 2.7 or above.

2. Prerequisites: Start by focusing on pre-requisite course requirements. Cornell Engineering suggests (but doesn't require) that applicant complete Calculus I and II, as well as physics and chemistry packed with calculus by the time they apply to transfer. You'll want to coordinate your course selection at your community college to align with these recommendations.

3. Transfer Credit: Familiarize yourself with Cornell’s Transfer Credit Guidelines. The school generally grants credit for courses taken at accredited colleges and universities worldwide that are similar to those offered at Cornell.

4. College Report: One item that you'll need to submit that is unique to transfer applications is a College Report. This report from your current college confirms you're in good standing and eligible to return to the school. It must be completed by a college official who has access to your academic and disciplinary information.

5. Academic Recommendation: You'll also need an academic recommendation from a college instructor, preferably one in a subject area related to the one you plan on pursuing at Cornell.

6. Manage Deadline: Be mindful of the application deadline for Cornell Engineering. The financial aid and transfer application deadlines are both March 15.

7. Personal Statement: The Personal Statement in your application is another crucial element. It should provide a clear picture of why you want to transfer, your reasons for choosing Cornell Engineering, and how you intend to make use of the opportunities at Cornell to further your long-term goals.

Keep these steps in mind, and maintain open communication with both your community college advisor and Cornell's transfer admissions whenever you have questions or uncertainties. Good luck with your transfer application journey!