What are some tips for gaining admission to Cornell University?

Hi.

• Low Acceptance Rate: The overall acceptance rate is in the single digits, meaning that for every 100 applicants, fewer than 9 are admitted. While often considered the "the easiest" Ivy League to get into based purely on acceptance rate, it is still an incredibly selective school.
• Exceptional Academic Profile: Admitted students typically have outstanding academic records.
  • GPA: The average GPA for accepted students is estimated to be around 4.0 (often on a weighted scale), with many students having nearly straight A's in the most rigorous high school courses (AP or IB).
  • Class Rank: Of the admitted students who reported their high school rank, approximately 85.6% were in the top 10% of their graduating class.
  • Standardized Test Scores: Admitted students generally have very high scores. The middle 50% SAT range is typically 1500-1570, and the ACT range is 33-35. 

• Application to Specific Colleges: Applicants apply directly to one of Cornell's eight undergraduate colleges (e.g., the College of Engineering, the College of Arts & Sciences). Acceptance rates and specific requirements can vary significantly between these schools, with some being more competitive than others.
• Strong "Fit" with the Program: Cornell heavily emphasizes whether an applicant is a good "fit" for their chosen school and its mission. This is demonstrated through supplemental essays that require students to explain their interest in the specific major and college in detail.
• Compelling Extracurriculars: Students need to showcase depth and focus in their activities outside the classroom, including leadership roles, research, community service, or unique talents, to stand out in the competitive applicant pool.
• Early Decision Advantage: Applying via Early Decision (ED) can provide a statistical edge, with a significantly higher acceptance rate (around 17-18%) compared to the Regular Decision acceptance rate (around 6-8%).