Cornell University has an acceptance rate of 8.8%, making it one of the most selective universities in the United States — fewer than 1 in 10 applicants are admitted.
Competitive applicants typically have an SAT score around 1535 or an ACT score around 34. Strong academics, extracurriculars, and essays are key components of a competitive application.
18% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating that the university serves a significant proportion of students from lower-income backgrounds.