Cornell Acceptance Rate?

Hey, I'm researching Ivy League schools and I'm curious about Cornell's acceptance rate. Does anyone have the latest statistics and what kind of students they prefer?

The latest statistics show that Cornell's acceptance rate has been between 5-10% for recent admissions cycles. It's important to note, though, that acceptance rates can fluctuate each year depending on the applicant pool size and competitiveness, and Cornell's acceptance rate has been trending down for a few years now.

In terms of preferred student profile, Cornell, like other Ivy League schools, has a holistic admissions process, which means they consider a combination of factors when reviewing applications. While there is no fixed formula for what kind of student Cornell prefers, there are some common traits that successful applicants tend to have:

1. Strong academic background: Competitive applicants typically have high GPAs, rigorous course loads, and strong standardized test scores. Although Cornell is test-optional for the 2024-2025 application cycle, at such a selective school, you generally want to showcase your strengths in as many ways as possible, so aiming for an SAT score around 1500, or an ACT score around 34, would likely be worth your while. For detailed guidance on how to navigate test-optional policies, check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/does-test-optional-mean-test-optional

2. Impressive extracurricular involvement: Cornell values well-rounded students who excel not only academically but also in their passions and interests outside of the classroom. Top applicants usually have significant extracurricular involvement, which demonstrates accomplishments or leadership roles.

3. Fit with the specific college/program: Cornell has different undergraduate colleges with varying areas of focus, such as Engineering, Arts and Sciences, Agriculture and Life Sciences, among others. Successful applicants usually have a strong understanding of their intended major or program and how it aligns with their goals and interests.

4. Compelling essays: Well-crafted essays may provide insight into the applicant's character, passions, and experiences. Successful essays often tell a unique story or convey the applicant's personality, revealing how they will contribute to Cornell's community. CollegeVine's blog contains detailed guidance on how to tackle Cornell's school-specific supplemental essays: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-cornell-university-essays

5. Strong letters of recommendation: Positive, detailed letters from teachers or counselors can help to build a case for admission, as they can attest to the applicant's academic strengths, character, and other positive qualities.

Keep in mind that each application is evaluated individually, and applicants are admitted based on the overall strength of their application relative to the overall pool of candidates. Your best strategy is to maximize your strengths and showcase your individuality in each part of your application, rather than relying on any one credential.

If you want to get a sense of how your overall profile stacks up at Cornell, I'd recommend checking out CollegeVine's free chancing engine, which accounts for all quantifiable elements of your application, including grades, course rigor, test scores, and extracurriculars to give you personalized odds of acceptance at Cornell, as well as hundreds of other colleges across the country: https://www.collegevine.com/admissions-calculator/.

The engine also gives you tips on how to increase your chances of acceptance, for example by earning a higher SAT/ACT score, or holding a leadership position in one of your extracurricular activities. Best of luck with your application to Cornell!