How Does One Choose Their Cornell College?

Hi all, I'm looking into applying to Cornell next year, but I'm a little confused about this whole college system they have. Is one Cornell College easier to get admitted into than the others? If so, which one? Thanks for taking the time to help out!

This is a common question for students applying to Cornell because of its unique structure. The university consists of several schools (Agriculture and Life Sciences, Architecture, Art, and Planning, Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Hotel Administration, Human Ecology, Industrial and Labor Relations, Public Policy) each of which is almost like its own separate college within the larger university context.

When you apply to Cornell, you apply to a specific college, and your application is reviewed within the context of that college. While acceptance rates do differ between the colleges, choosing a college simply because it has a higher acceptance rate would not be the best strategy. The primary factor in your college choice should be the degree program that aligns best with your career goals and academic interests. For example, if you're interested in Engineering, you should apply to the College of Engineering, even though its acceptance rate may be lower than that of some other colleges.

Certain colleges at Cornell may require additional application components, like the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning, which requires a portfolio. These added requirements should also be factored into your decision-making process.

As an example, the School of Industrial and Labor Relations has a unique focus that isn't found at most universities. So, it wouldn't be in your best interest to apply to it just because it might have higher acceptance rates if you have no true interest or intention of pursuing a career related to labor relations or a related field.

Take the time to thoroughly research each school within Cornell, including the courses and opportunities they offer. This way, you'll be able to craft a stronger "Why Major?" essay, showing how you would take advantage of the opportunities in your chosen school, which will strengthen your application overall.

Remember, colleges appreciate a genuine interest in their unique offerings, as it indicates to them not only that you have done your research, but also that you are likely to accept an offer of admission if given one. So, apply to the college that aligns best with your academic interests and career goals.