Cornell University is famous for being the most transfer-friendly Ivy League school. They even have a first-year admissions track that actually has you transfer into the university. The school holds space for transfers, but that doesn’t mean you’re an automatic in just because you apply. This is a competitive, top-tier, Ivy League school. You need to have your ducks in a row!
The transfer acceptance rate for Cornell is 13%. That’s not insanely high, it’s still very competitive. That means you need to do everything you can to develop the most competitive application possible. Let’s get into everything you need to do, including the strategy, to make the most of your Cornell transfer app.
Requirements
To be considered a transfer applicant, you need to have a high school diploma and have taken at least 12 credit hours. If you’ve been enrolled full-time at a school, you’re a transfer.
In addition to these requirements, you need:
Common App
Essays
High school transcript
College transcript
College report
Academic Recommendation (from a college instructor)
Mid-Term Report
Other things you might need:
Supplemental material required by specific programs
Standardized test scores
Keep Your Academics on Track
If you’re aiming for the Ivy League school Cornell, obviously getting perfect grades is a non-negotiable. If you are not getting all As at your current school, you’re not going to clear the hurdle to the next round. This is the most important thing for you to remember.
Now, that does not mean take all easy classes, okay? Admissions officers know a slack-off schedule when they see one. Cornell wants students who challenge themselves with rigorous, relevant coursework that demonstrates their intellectual curiosity and focus. Take classes that make sense with what you’re telling them you want to study!
Equally important is building a clear focus within your major. Whatever your interest, use your academic choices to signal the work you’ve done and what you’re passionate about. If you’re interested in studying agriculture because you’re passionate about cultivating healthy soil types, then take classes that make sense with that. You don’t want to load up on classes within your major that don’t make sense – so those of you studying modern history shouldn’t take a bunch of Renaissance classes.
Keep Your Extracurriculars on Track
You need to be developing a strong resume, too. For your transfer app, you don’t need to list ten activities to seem impressive. Quality over quantity. If you joined every club at your college and list them all here, that just tells Cornell you’re not that serious about building community or depth.
Instead, prioritize a few key activities that align with the niche you’re pursuring. Agriculture majors could work for a farm! You could be in the Aviation Club if you’re interested in Aerospace engineering! The goal is to show not just participating for participation’s sake, but a pattern of intentional, focused engagement.
Writing
Cornell has two questions, one everyone will answer and another that depends on what specific college you’re applying to at the school.
We all contribute to, and are influenced by, the communities that are meaningful to us. Share how you’ve been shaped by one of the communities you belong to.
Remember that this essay is about you and your lived experience. Define community in the way that is most meaningful to you. Some examples of community you might choose from are: family, school, shared interest, virtual, local, global, cultural. (2000 character maximum)
A community essay! This is very standard college essay fare, and they want you to tell them a story here.
Community can mean so many things: a club or organization, your family, your neighbors, or even the group you play chess with at the park. Because the idea is so open-ended, start by considering personality traits, values, or experiences that haven’t come through in other parts of your application. This is your chance to showcase a different side of yourself, so try not to rehash something that they know about you from your activities list or resume.
For an extremely detailed guide on how to brainstorm, write, and edit this kind of community essay, check our guide.
Now the second question will depend on what college you’re applying to at Cornell:
By applying to Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), you are also applying for direct entry into one of our 20+ majors. From here, you would be part of a community dedicated to purpose-driven science; working within your major and across disciplines to tackle the complex challenges of our time. Why are you drawn to studying the major you have selected and specifically, why do you want to pursue this major at Cornell CALS? You should share how your current interests, related experiences, and/or goals influenced your choice. (2500 characters)
How do your interests directly connect with your intended major at the College of Architecture, Art and Planning (AAP)? Why architecture (B.Arch), art (BFA) or urban and regional studies (URS)? B.Arch applicants, please provide an example of how a creative project or passion sparks your motivation to pursue a 5-year professional degree program. BFA applicants may want to consider how they could integrate a range of interests and available resources at Cornell into a coherent art practice. URS students may want to emphasize their enthusiasm and depth of interest in the study of urban and regional issues. (3000 characters)
At the College of Arts and Sciences, curiosity will be your guide. Discuss how your passion for learning is shaping your academic journey, and what areas of study or majors excite you and why. Your response should convey how your interests align with the College, and how you would take advantage of the opportunities and curriculum in Arts and Sciences (3000 character maximum)
Cornell’s Brooks School of Public Policy brings together leading faculty and scholars across disciplines to tackle society's most pressing policy issues. Please discuss how your past academic and/or work experience has influenced your choice of major and how transferring to the Brooks School would further your academic interests. (3000 characters)
(Business School Question) Tell us what you'd like to major in at Cornell, and why or how your past academic or work experience influenced your decision, and how transferring to Cornell would further your academic interests. (3000 characters)
College of Engineering Question: How do your interests directly connect with Cornell Engineering? What draws you to the particular major you are applying to and how would transferring to Cornell Engineering further your academic interests? (3000 characters)
How has your decision to apply to the College of Human Ecology (CHE) been shaped and informed by your related experiences? How will what you learn through CHE and your chosen major impact your goals and plans for the future? Your response should demonstrate how your interests and aspirations align with CHE’s programs and mission. (3000 characters)
School of Industrial and Labor Relations Question: Using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. Your response should show us that your interests align with the ILR School. (3250 characters)
Noticing a theme here? These, while all different for some reason, are essentially Why Essays. And you should treat them as such.
Now, you’ve probably answered this question before, as a high schooler, but we’re guessing you answered it not in the TKG-approved way.This time around, you have the advantage of more experience and deeper insights to share. Unlike the typical “why do you want to transfer” essay, which you will answer below, these questions focus on what you want to get out of a Cornell education—not on what’s lacking at your current school. Keep the focus positive and forward-looking.
Draw on the niche you’ve been developing and show how Cornell is the perfect place to continue that journey. Highlight specific offerings that Cornell can uniquely provide you, like specialized classes, professors, or labs, and connect those directly to your goals. This isn’t just about listing resources—it’s about showing how they align perfectly with what you’re passionate about and what you want to achieve.
The personal statement helps colleges get to know you better as a person and a student. Please provide a 1,250-3,250 character statement discussing your educational path (approx. 250 - 650 words).
How does continuing your education at a new institution help you achieve your future goals?
This is another classic essay prompt from Cornell, and while it may feel similar to the “Why Michigan” essay you just wrote, it’s important to avoid repeating yourself. Instead of focusing on professors or classes, use this essay to dive into other aspects of Cornell that excite you—resources, opportunities, or cultural elements that make it the perfect fit for your goals. Think about unique research facilities, special partnerships, or even a study abroad program that aligns with your aspirations.
Start by highlighting what you want to change about your current academic experience without bashing your current school. Instead, focus on what Cornell offers that your school doesn’t. Maybe it’s a world-class research lab, access to a particular company or institution for internships, or a niche major or program (Cornell’s full of those). Be specific and connect to what you want to do in life! And please, don’t just go off vibes.
Now… wait
The Cornell transfer app is due March 15th, and you should be hearing “admission decisions and financial aid awards announced weekly” from end of April through June. Best of luck!
If you need help with your transfer applications, reach out to us today.