College and School Admissions Requirements
When you apply to Cornell University, you'll choose just the undergraduate college or school within the university that is the best fit for your interests and talents. While there are general recommendations and requirements for students applying to our university, each college and school has their own unique recommendations and requirements as listed below.
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Secondary-School Subjects/Requirements & Recommendations:
- 16 units, including 4 of English, 4 of mathematics (pre-calculus required*), and 3 of science (biology and chemistry required, physics strongly recommended**). A fourth unit of science is also strongly recommended. Be sure to review the admissions requirements for each major. Please note:
- *Calculus is required for Atmospheric Science, Biological Engineering, Biological Sciences, Biology & Society, Biometry & Statistics, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, Environmental Engineering, Food Science, Global & Public Health Sciences, Information Science and Nutritional Sciences.
- **Physics is required for Atmospheric Science, Biological Engineering, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, and Environmental Engineering.
Special Requirements:
- Landscape Architecture: Portfolio required. See CALS website for details, format, and submission instructions.
Recommended additional preparation:
- Advanced core science course(s)
- Rigorous high school curriculum and an outstanding record of academic achievement
- Engaged participation in school and community
- A strong and demonstrated match with the college mission and selected major
- Applicants are encouraged to explore virtual visit options
- Interviews are not offered
Standardized Testing Requirements:
- Cornell has updated its policy to test-recommended and score-free for students applying to enroll for fall 2025. Review the standardized testing policy to see your intended college/school’s testing requirement.
- All applicants will be required to submit standardized test scores when applying to enroll for fall 2026 and beyond.
The Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management
- See Business requirements
Secondary-School Subjects/Requirements:
- All departments: 4 of English, 3 years of foreign language, 3 of math, and 3 of science
- Architecture: requires 4 years of math
Special Requirements:
Architecture
- Portfolio and video interview required; must be submitted via Cornell AAP SlideRoom portal
- Deadlines: Early Decision: Nov. 1; Regular Decision: Jan. 2
- View the Architecture portfolio and video interview requirements
Art
- Portfolio required; submit via Cornell AAP SlideRoom portal
- Deadlines: Early Decision: Nov. 1; Regular Decision: Jan. 2
- View the Art portfolio requirements
Recommended additional preparation:
- 4 years of foreign language
- Architecture: Calculus and Physics
- Rigorous high school curriculum and an outstanding record of academic achievement
- Participation in activities related to student’s choice of major in Architecture, Art, and Planning
Standardized Testing Requirements:
- Cornell has updated its policy to test-recommended and score-free for students applying to enroll for fall 2025. Review the standardized testing policy to see your intended college/school’s testing requirement.
- All applicants will be required to submit standardized test scores when applying to enroll for fall 2026 and beyond.
College of Arts and Sciences
Secondary-School Subjects/Requirements & Recommendations:
- 16 units, including 4 of English, 3 of mathematics (including pre-calculus), 3 of science, and 3 units of one foreign language (for heritage speakers or students who have initiated a foreign language sequence before high school, completion of at least the third level (e.g. Spanish 3)).
Recommended additional preparation:
- An additional unit of advanced mathematics and science
- Applicants are encouraged to explore virtual visit options
- Interviews are not offered
- Rigorous high school curriculum and an outstanding record of academic achievement
- Strong commitment to the liberal arts and sciences
Standardized Testing Requirements:
- Cornell has updated its policy to test-recommended and score-free for students applying to enroll for fall 2025. Review the standardized testing policy to see your intended college/school’s testing requirement.
- All applicants will be required to submit standardized test scores when applying to enroll for fall 2026 and beyond.
College of Engineering
Secondary-School Subjects/Requirements:
- 16 units, including 1 of chemistry, 1 of physics, and 4 of mathematics (2 of algebra, 1 of geometry, and 1 of calculus)
Recommended additional preparation:
- Computer science
- A foreign language
- Applicants are encouraged to explore our engineering virtual visit options
- Interviews are not offered
- Problem solvers and innovators
- Students with creative skills and a sense of adventure
- Individuals who want to make a difference in the world and accomplish something of significance
- Strong skills in math and science
Standardized Testing Requirements:
- Cornell has updated its policy to test-recommended and score-free for students applying to enroll for fall 2025. Review the standardized testing policy to see your intended college/school’s testing requirement.
- All applicants will be required to submit standardized test scores when applying to enroll for fall 2026 and beyond.
College of Human Ecology
Secondary-School Subjects/Requirements & Recommendations:
- 16 units, including 4 of English, 4 of mathematics (calculus is strongly recommended), and 4 of core science (including 1 of biology, 1 of chemistry and/or physics, and advanced biology, chemistry, or physics)
Special Requirements: