Cornell University: what international applicants need

What are Cornell University's application deadlines for 2026–27?

Cornell University has 2 application deadlines for 2026–27: Early Decision on November 1, 2026 and Regular Decision on January 2, 2027.

• Early Decision is binding: if you're admitted, you commit to attend and withdraw your other applications.
• Deadlines are usually 11:59 pm in your own time zone, unless the university says otherwise on its site.

What is Cornell University's acceptance rate?

8.8% for students who started in fall 2024: Cornell University admitted 5,516 of its 62,993 first-year applicants.

• The rate covers all first-year applicants, US and international: the federal data doesn't give a separate rate for international applicants.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release). Source

Does Cornell University require the SAT or ACT for international applicants?

Yes. Cornell University requires SAT or ACT scores from first-year applicants for 2026–27.

• This is the policy listed for all first-year applicants. Some universities treat international students differently, so confirm it on the testing page.
• For the Early Decision deadline (November 1, 2026), the last international SAT whose scores come out in time is October 3, 2026: scores on October 16, 2026, registration by September 18, 2026 (late registration September 22, 2026).
• For the Regular Decision deadline (January 2, 2027), the last international SAT whose scores come out in time is December 5, 2026: scores on December 18, 2026, registration by November 20, 2026 (late registration November 24, 2026).
• Official score reports can take a few more days to reach universities.

What SAT score do you need for Cornell University?

The middle half of first-year students who enrolled in fall 2024 and sent SAT scores had 770–800 in Math and 730–770 in Reading and Writing (40% of them sent SAT scores).

• On the ACT, the middle half had a composite of 33–35.
• If your score is above the middle of these ranges, it helps your application. At a test-optional university, a score below the lower number usually isn't worth sending.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release): 25th to 75th percentile of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores. Source

How much is Cornell University's application fee for international students?

Cornell University's application fee is $85 for international applicants, the same as for US applicants.

Does Cornell University accept the Common App fee waiver from international students?

Yes. Cornell University accepts the Common App fee waiver and doesn't limit it to US students.

• Your eligibility is confirmed through the Common App, usually with your counselor.

Which English tests does Cornell University accept?

Cornell University doesn't list its English tests on the Common App: they're detailed on its international applicants page.

• Cornell accepts your English without a test if English is your native language or has been your primary language of instruction for the past four years. Otherwise, you submit an English proficiency exam score. Source · checked September 25, 2026
• Minimum scores and exemptions (for example if you studied in English) are set by the university: check its international page.

How many recommendation letters does Cornell University require?

Cornell University requires 2 teacher recommendations and a counselor recommendation for 2026–27.

• It also asks for a mid-year report with your first-semester senior grades.
• Whatever the letters, your school sends the School Report and, after graduation, the Final Report: the Common App says every university requires them.

Does Cornell University require the Common App personal essay?

Yes. Cornell University requires the Common App personal essay (250 to 650 words) for 2026–27.

How many international students does Cornell University have?

1,656 of Cornell University's 16,128 undergraduates were international students (US nonresidents) in fall 2024: 10.3%.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 enrollment (provisional release). Source

How much does Cornell University cost for international students?

Cornell University's published tuition and fees for 2024–25 were $69,314, the same for every student. On-campus food and housing was $19,428. With books and other expenses, a year cost about $92,150 before any financial aid.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Published charges for 2024–25. Costs usually rise each year: check the university's site for 2027–28. Source

Does Cornell University give financial aid to international students?

Yes. In 2025-26, Cornell University gave institutional scholarships or grants to 318 international undergraduates.

• Number of international students aided: the university's Common Data Set 2025-26 Source