Cornell College vs University: What's the difference?

Hey guys, I'm a little bit confused about Cornell College vs Cornell University. Can anyone explain the main differences between the two? Are there different application processes or requirements? Thanks in advance!

Hello! That's a great question. Cornell College and Cornell University are two completely separate institutions with no direct affiliation.

Cornell University is an Ivy League university located in Ithaca, New York. It's a well-known research university with a strong reputation for its programs in engineering, business, hotel administration, and other disciplines.

The application process for Cornell University typically requires submitting the Common Application (including the essay), SAT or ACT scores (optional for the 2024-2025 cycle, but required from 2025-2026 onwards, letters of recommendation, and supplemental essays specific to the college or school within Cornell you're applying to. Cornell offers both Early Decision (a binding agreement) and Regular Decision application options.

If you want to learn more about how to maximize your chances of acceptance at Cornell University, which is a highly selective institution, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which breaks down how to tackle their school-specific supplemental essays: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-cornell-university-essays

On the other hand, Cornell College is a small liberal arts college in Mount Vernon, Iowa. It is known for its distinctive "One Course At A Time" curriculum, in which students take one intensive course for 3.5 weeks at a time. This approach allows students to fully focus on one subject before moving on to the next. Cornell College uses the Common Application or its own platform for its applications, and it is test-optional for the foreseeable future (no need to submit SAT or ACT scores unless you choose to). Cornell College does not have separate application options, but rather one main deadline of May 1.

To summarize, the main differences between the two institutions are their locations, primary educational focus (research university vs. liberal arts college), and unique curriculum offerings. The application processes also differ in terms of which application platforms and materials are required, as well as their test score policies. Make sure to research both schools thoroughly and consider factors such as size, location, academic programs, and overall culture when deciding which institution best aligns with your goals and preferences. Good luck!