Are you intent on applying to Cornell University, and there’s not a doubt in your mind that this path is for you? Be warned: competition awaits. But there are steps you can take right now to prepare to apply. Cornell admissions officers seek out students with a specific mix of traits and qualities that make them more likely to stay afloat on this Ivy League school’s academically rigorous campus. But as far as the basic mechanics of submitting your application go, what should you have on your radar? You’ve come to the right place to find out.

Step 1: Create a Common Application Account

Cornell exclusively accepts The Common Application, the gold standard software for submitting college applications in the United States. But applying to Cornell isn’t as simple as adding this school to your list of prospective colleges. You first must choose an undergraduate program to which you intend to apply. Cornell’s undergraduate ecosystem is rich with programs, each with its own specific admissions requirements. How you navigate the application process is largely dependent on which of these programs you apply to.

Step 2: Sit for Standardized Tests

Cornell University is not test-optional, and hasn’t been for a few years now. There’s no wiggle room regarding taking the SAT or ACT and submitting the score(s) you receive to Cornell; it’s simply a matter of when you sit for your test of choice. 

Are you considering sitting for two different administrations of the SAT or ACT to take advantage of Cornell’s policy of superscoring test scores (A.K.A., considering the highest individual section scores received across different testing dates)? Then heed Ivy Coach’s word of caution: sitting for more than one test can compromise your admissions odds because it shows Cornell that you had to work twice as hard for the score you received relative to the many students who just submit a one-off score.

Step 3: Familiarize Yourself With Cornell’s Admissions Rounds and Deadlines

Cornell applicants must choose between applying in the Early Decision and Regular Decision rounds. Early Decision (ED) is for the Cornell applicant who knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that Cornell is their top choice school, as this binding admissions round requires applicants to sign an agreement locking them into enrollment if they are admitted. Regular Decision (RD) applicants must make no such commitment, and their applications are evaluated later on in the admissions year.

As reported on Cornell’s website, students who apply Early Decision submit their application by November 1, submit supporting materials by November 15, and will learn their admissions decision by mid-December, while those who apply in Regular Decision submit their application fee on January 2, submit supporting materials shortly after that date, 2 and learn their admissions decision by early April.

Cornell admissions officers admit ED applicants at a higher rate than RD applicants because these students have demonstrated interest in Cornell by signing up to enroll. ED applicants are considered much more enthusiastic about Cornell and more likely to make the most of their time on campus. Plus, they’re evaluated earlier in the year, when Cornell officials have less of a sense of how competitive the application pool will be and are thus more likely to take a chance on those who have already applied.

Step 4: Respond to the Cornell Writing Supplement

The Cornell Writing Supplement varies by undergraduate program, but generally offers applicants the opportunity to showcase just how much research they have done into the many resources and opportunities on offer at Cornell, as well, of course, as their writing chops. Additionally, all applicants were required to respond to the following question in 350 words or fewer during the 2025-2026 admission cycle:

We all contribute to, and are influenced by, the communities that are meaningful to us. Share how you’ve been shaped by one of the communities you belong to.

Step 5: Request Cornell University School Forms

You’ll have to assemble the following materials to round out your Cornell application before you hit the submit button:

• Every required component of The Common Application, including the 650-word Personal Statement
• An $85 application fee or a fee waiver
• Your high school transcript
• A high school counselor’s letter of recommendation
• Your high school report 
• Two teacher letters of recommendation
• Your mid-year grades

How Ivy Coach Helps Students Apply to Cornell

Even if you cover all of your bases, the road to Cornell will still be hard-fought. But there’s no use in navigating this process alone. If your child can’t imagine a future where they’re not a Cornellian, enlist Ivy Coach’s help in optimizing their odds of admission. 

Our 74% Cornell acceptance rate for our package clients over the past five years hasn’t been the result of sheer luck. Our team of former elite college admissions officers knows what appeals to Cornell’s admissions team and will guide your child through our strategy (which starts with applying in the Early Decision round). All of our clients take advantage of the ED admissions boost, no exceptions!

To get started with us, fill out our complimentary consultation form, and we’ll be in touch.