Hi everybody! I've been studying hard for the ACT, hoping to apply to Cornell next year. Does anyone know what sort of ACT scores they usually look for? Are their expectations high because it's an Ivy League school?
Cornell University, like other Ivy League institutions, traditionally has very high standards for standardized test scores. Keep in mind, however, that for the 2024-2025 application cycle, Cornell is test-optional, meaning you have the choice to submit your ACT score or not. If you choose to submit, your score will be considered as part of your holistic evaluation, but it won't be a sole determining factor for admission.
Just to provide some perspective, before the adoption of test-optional policies, the middle 50% ACT scores for admitted students at Cornell ranged from 33 to 35 out of 36. This means that 25% of the admitted students scored 33 or below, and another 25% scored above 35.
Remember, these are averages; a score below 33 doesn't mean you'll be automatically rejected, just as a score above 35 doesn't guarantee your acceptance. The admission review process at Cornell takes into consideration many aspects of your application, including your essays, letters of recommendation, course rigor, GPA, extracurricular involvement, and other factors.
If you feel your ACT score represents your academic ability well, go ahead and submit it. If not, it's entirely okay to apply without it. Good luck with your application!
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