CollegeCalcAI
Most selectiveUpdated for the 2025-2026 cycle

Cornell University acceptance rate and admissions profile

Cornell University is a private university in New York with a 9% acceptance rate, which makes it most selective. Here is what it looks for, where it sits among New York schools, and how to estimate your own odds with CollegeCalcAI.

Acceptance rate
9%
Most selective
Admitted SAT (75th pct)
1550
of admitted students
Type
Private
New York
Selectivity in state
#3
of 59 in NY
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What Cornell University looks for

What Cornell University weighs most heavily in its admissions review, modeled from its selectivity and profile.

Rigor of secondary school record
Very important
Academic GPA
Very important
Class rank
Considered
Standardized test scores
Important
Application essay
Very important
Recommendations
Very important
Interview
Considered
Extracurricular activities
Important
Talent / ability
Important
Character / personal qualities
Very important
First-generation status
Considered
Alumni / legacy relation
Considered
Geographical residence
Considered
Volunteer work
Considered
Work experience
Considered
Level of applicant interest
Considered

SAT score positioning at Cornell University

How common SAT scores sit relative to the admitted middle. This is context, not a probability — your full profile determines the real estimate.

SATWhere it sits at Cornell University
1600Above the admitted 75th percentile
1500Below the middle, makes the rest of the profile matter more
1400Well below the admitted range
1300Well below the admitted range
1200Well below the admitted range
1100Well below the admitted range

How Cornell University compares in New York

Cornell University ranks #3 most selective of 59 schools in New York in our database.

Columbia University
4%acceptance · NY
New York University
8%acceptance · NY
U.S. Military Academy
12%acceptance · NY
Hamilton College
12%acceptance · NY
Colgate University
15%acceptance · NY
Vassar College
15%acceptance · NY
Skidmore College
26%acceptance · NY
University of Rochester
34%acceptance · NY
See all New York schools →

Similar to Cornell University

Schools with a similar selectivity profile, worth comparing as you build a balanced list.

Amherst College
9%acceptance · MA
Bowdoin College
9%acceptance · ME
Claremont McKenna College
9%acceptance · CA
Swarthmore College
9%acceptance · PA
Rice University
8%acceptance · TX
New York University
8%acceptance · NY

Frequently asked questions

How hard is it to get into Cornell University?

Cornell University has a 9% acceptance rate, which makes it most selective — it admits roughly one in ten applicants or fewer. Admission depends on how your full profile compares to its admitted students, not on scores alone.

What SAT score do you need for Cornell University?

There is no hard cutoff, but the admitted-student 75th-percentile SAT is around 1550. A score at or above the admitted range strengthens your application; CollegeCalcAI shows how your exact score shifts your odds.

What does Cornell University value most in applicants?

Based on its admissions profile, Cornell University weighs rigor of secondary school record, academic gpa, application essay most heavily. The full factor breakdown is on this page.

What are my chances of getting into Cornell University?

Your chances depend on your GPA, course rigor, test scores, and activities together. Use the free CollegeCalcAI calculator to get a personalized acceptance estimate for Cornell University in a few minutes, no account required.

Want the deeper guide? Read our full Cornell University chances guide →

Acceptance rate and admitted test ranges reflect publicly reported data (U.S. Department of Education / NCES IPEDS / Common Data Sets). Estimates from CollegeCalcAI are a planning tool computed by a fixed, transparent model, not a guarantee of any admission decision.