I'm really interested in Cornell University but I've heard it's very tough to get into. Are there certain schools within the university that are easier to gain admission into? I'm open to different majors and fields, so any suggestions would be helpful. Thank you.
Sure thing! It's true that some schools within Cornell University may seem more challenging to gain admission into due to their more competitive acceptance rates, but it's also important to consider that the acceptance rates can be influenced by the number of applications each specific school receives, and the specific criteria each school is looking for in their applicant pool.
For instance, the College of Arts and Sciences tends to be quite competitive, as it is the largest college within Cornell and receives the most applications. It's home to a diverse range of majors, from English to Chemistry, making it attractive to a wide variety of applicants.
On the other hand, other colleges such as the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) and the School of Industrial and Labor Relations (ILR) tend to have slightly higher acceptance rates. This might be due in part to the specialized nature of these colleges. CALS, for example, houses more niche majors like Animal Science or Food Science that may attract fewer applicants. Similarly, the ILR school is unique in its focus on work, employment, and labor policy, which may also limit its applicant pool.
Remember, though, even if these schools have higher acceptance rates it doesn't necessarily make them "easier" to get into - each school within Cornell has its own unique admission requirements and looks for students who are a good fit for their programs. It's best to apply to a school and program that align with your personal interests and academic strengths, rather than choosing based solely on perceived competitiveness. After all, you will spend four years studying in the field you choose, so it's important to choose one that actually interests you!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.