Admissions

• Small college with the resources and benefits of a large Ivy League institution
• Collection of unique academic programs, unmatched in their areas for quality, depth and opportunity
• Majors relate to contemporary issues, are adaptable and highly interdisciplinary
• Establish a strong liberal arts foundation that supports career specific preparation
• Students develop deep analytical skills, are self-directed yet team-oriented, and appreciate the world as complex, multicultural and dynamic.

We know that the college search process can be overwhelming, revealing and stressful. In addition to your high school course work and activities, you will be looking through the many college catalogues that will cross your doorstep and doing research online, possibly visiting campuses, completing application forms and keeping all of this organized. We ask that in the midst of all of this, that you take a moment to step back and learn a bit about yourself. That might be a big step towards finding your path.

We hope that as you click through our pages you become more familiar and comfortable with the admissions process.

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Earning a place in Human Ecology is about more than just numbers. It is also about what makes you an individual. And what you will bring to the college and university communities.

There are a number of key pieces that the Admissions Committee considers when reviewing freshmen applications including

• Fit/match with the College of Human Ecology and at least one of its programs
• Essays (personal, short answer and Cornell University supplement essays)
• Four year high school transcript – including GPA and rank, if provided
• Standardized exams
• Life experiences and background – including volunteer, extracurricular and work activities
• Letters of reference

Successful candidates usually have a combination of a strong academic record in challenging courses and a class average of 90 or higher. Approximately 90 percent of our freshmen candidates rank in the top 10 percent of their high school classes.

All first-year applicants are required to submit SAT I or ACT test results (students electing to take the ACT must complete the written component). In addition, we require you to submit two SAT subject exams, one of which must be taken in math (any level).

We are especially interested in the connection between a student's aspirations and academic interests and the college's mission. We also consider the full range of a student's talents and life experiences. Students who have successfully balanced school and community activities are always of interest to us. Essays matter; the committee looks for evidence of a student's ability to clearly and persuasively discuss an academic and personal match with the college.

We often receive questions from prospective students and their families about our minimum/average SAT score or GPA, how many activities they should have on their resume, and how many letters of recommendation they should submit. Since Human Ecology and Cornell University practice selective admissions, we cannot reduce the selection process to a formula. We thoroughly consider and review every application that we receive.

We typically have room for about 25-30 percent of the many qualified applicants each year. Many students who are not accepted as freshmen often consider transferring to Human Ecology as sophomores or juniors.

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We know that when the college search and application process are done thoughtfully and efficiently, it can be an exciting time of self-discovery and life changing opportunity. Please consider our First-year Application Tips (PDF) - Updated for 2010, as you begin to complete your application.

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