Cornell: Does Demonstrated Interest Help?

Hi! I'm really interested in applying to Cornell, and I was wondering how much demonstrating interest (through visits, communicating with the admissions office, etc.) helps in the admissions process. Has anyone had experience with this, or can you point me to some useful resources? Thanks a lot!

Demonstrated interest can play a role in the admissions process at some colleges. However, at Cornell, it is not a significant factor in admission decisions. Cornell utilizes a holistic review process that primarily focuses on factors like your academic achievements, essays, extracurriculars, and letters of recommendation rather than the extent to which you have demonstrated your interest in attending the school.

That being said, there are still numerous benefits of visiting campus, interacting with current students, and communicating with the admissions office. By doing so, you can gain a better understanding of the campus lifestyle and determine if the school is truly a good fit for you. Additionally, engaging with the Cornell community can help you write more informed and authentic essays that effectively communicate why you would be an excellent fit on campus.

Although demonstrating interest may not directly impact your chances of admission, focusing on strengthening other aspects of your application, such as your grades, test scores (if applicable), and extracurriculars, will have a more significant impact when applying to Cornell.

Remember, it's essential to continue researching and exploring Cornell virtually, through online webinars and admissions presentations, to get a feel for the school. Additionally, don't hesitate to reach out and ask questions to the admissions office or other people connected to the university, as doing so may also help you present a stronger application overall. Good luck with the admissions process!