SAT and ACT Scores For Cornell University

Cornell University offers a slightly more accessible admission process with an admission rate of 9%. While SAT or ACT scores are not mandatory, showcasing strong scores can significantly enhance an application.

Cornell is unique among many prestigious institutions as it offers an early decision program, which allows students to commit to Cornell if accepted, but it does not offer an early action option.

This policy underscores Cornell’s commitment to attracting students who are highly certain of their choice, while the optional standardized tests highlight a holistic review process.

SAT Scores

  Recommended Score: 1500

Cornell’s SAT score ranges for admitted students are competitive, with the 25th percentile at 1450 and the 75th percentile at 1560. The university suggests a recommended score of 1500 to be competitive.

The breakdown of SAT scores shows that for Reading and Writing, scores range from 700 at the 25th percentile to 760 at the 75th percentile. These figures indicate a strong emphasis on critical reading and analytical writing skills.

SAT Math scores are particularly high, ranging from 750 to 800. This highlights Cornell's focus on quantitative skills, essential for many of its top programs in engineering, sciences, and economics.

To increase their chances of admission, applicants should aim to achieve scores that are well within or above these ranges. High SAT scores not only demonstrate academic preparedness but also align with the rigor expected at Cornell.

Preparing for the SAT involves focused study, especially in mathematics, to meet and exceed the high standards set by Cornell. Prospective students should consider rigorous test preparation as part of their application strategy.

ACT Scores

  Recommended Score: 35

For the ACT, Cornell maintains high standards with a 25th percentile score of 33 and a 75th percentile score of 35. A recommended score of 35 is indicative of the level of competitiveness among applicants.

ACT English scores at Cornell range from 34 to 35, reflecting the university’s high expectations for verbal skills and the ability to articulate complex ideas effectively.

In ACT Math, the scores range from 31 at the 25th percentile to 35 at the 75th percentile, demonstrating the importance of strong mathematical skills across a spectrum of academic disciplines at Cornell.

Although ACT Writing scores are not specified, the overall high ACT scores signal the necessity of excellence in standardized testing, particularly for students opting to submit these scores.

Prospective Cornell students should prepare thoroughly for the ACT, ensuring high performance across all sections to meet the university's rigorous admissions criteria.

Admission Numbers

Overall Rating: Extremely Competitive

Here are the applicant and admissions numbers per year for Cornell University:

Cornell University’s admission process, with a relatively higher admission rate of 9%, remains highly selective, particularly through the lens of standardized test scores. The suggested high scores for SAT and ACT reflect the university’s commitment to academic excellence.

Applicants are encouraged to aim for high percentile scores in their standardized tests, enhancing their profiles in a holistic admissions process that values diverse achievements.

Cornell’s emphasis on high academic and personal standards, reflected through its standardized testing benchmarks, underscores its reputation as a leading institution that prepares students for significant future achievements.