Cornell University, renowned for its academic excellence and picturesque campus, continues to be a dream destination for students worldwide. This year, the university has admitted 5,139 students to the Class of 2028, marking a 4% increase from last year’s 4,994 admits. The overall acceptance rate, estimated to be around 7.5%, mirrors last year’s competitive landscape. Here, we delve into the specifics of the acceptance rates and trends, providing a comprehensive understanding for prospective applicants.
Cornell University Overall Acceptance Rate
Cornell's Class of 2028 shows a projected overall acceptance rate of approximately 7.5%, based on an estimated 68,000 applications. This figure aligns closely with last year’s rate of 7.36%.
| Class of | Number of Applications | Accepted Students | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 51,485 | 5,496 | 10.67% |
| 2025 | 67,380 | 5,852 | 8.69% |
| 2026 | 71,164 | 4,908 | 6.90% |
| 2027 | 67,846 | 4,994 | 7.36% |
| 2028* | 68,000* | 5,139* | 7.5%* |
*Estimated
The data highlights a trend of increasing applications coupled with a declining acceptance rate, reflecting the growing competitiveness of gaining admission to Cornell.
Regular Decision Acceptance Rate
For the Regular Decision (RD) round, the acceptance rate is estimated to be significantly lower than the overall rate. This year, our strategists estimate that out of approximately 58,500 RD applications, around 3,400 students will be admitted, leading to an RD acceptance rate of about 5.8%.
| Class of | RD Applicants | RD Accepted | RD Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* | 58,480* | 3,403* | 5.8%* |
| 2027 | 58,331 | 3,324 | 5.70% |
| 2026 | 61,609 | 3,077 | 4.99% |
| 2025 | 58,363 | 3,922 | 6.72% |
| 2024 | 44,870 | 3,920 | 8.74% |
*Estimated
Early Decision Acceptance Rate
Applying Early Decision (ED) can significantly increase your chances of acceptance. For the Class of 2028, the ED acceptance rate is projected to be around 18%, considerably higher than the RD rate.
| Class of | ED Applicants | ED Accepted | ED Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* | 9,520* | 1,736* | 18.2%* |
| 2027 | 9,515 | 1,670 | 17.55% |
| 2026 | 9,555 | 1,831 | 19.16% |
| 2025 | 9,017 | 1,930 | 21.40% |
| 2024 | 6,615 | 1,576 | 23.82% |
*Estimated
Trends in Cornell’s Acceptance Rates
Cornell’s acceptance rates have shown a clear trend of becoming more selective over the years. The overall acceptance rate has dropped from 10.67% for the Class of 2024 to an estimated 7.5% for the Class of 2028. Similarly, the RD acceptance rate has hovered between 5% and 7%, while the ED acceptance rate, although higher, has also seen a decline.
Maximizing Your Chances of Admission
Aspiring to join Cornell’s elite student body requires more than just academic excellence. Here are some strategies to enhance your application:
- Apply Early Decision: If Cornell is your top choice, applying ED can triple your chances of admission.
- Craft a Compelling Narrative: Highlight your unique strengths, passions, and experiences in your application.
- Excel in Standardized Tests: High scores in SAT, ACT, or other relevant exams can strengthen your profile.
- Showcase Extracurricular Activities: Demonstrate leadership, community involvement, and other extracurricular achievements.
- Seek Professional Guidance: Consider consulting with college admissions advisors to polish your application and essays.
FAQs
Q. What is the overall acceptance rate for Cornell's Class of 2028? The estimated overall acceptance rate is approximately 7.5%.
Q. How does the Early Decision acceptance rate compare to Regular Decision? The ED acceptance rate is significantly higher, estimated at around 18%, compared to the RD rate of about 5.8%.
Q. How many students applied to Cornell for the Class of 2028? An estimated 68,000 students applied.
Q. Why is the acceptance rate higher for Early Decision applicants? ED applicants benefit from a smaller, committed applicant pool and demonstrate a strong interest in attending Cornell.
Q. What strategies can increase my chances of admission to Cornell? Applying ED, excelling in standardized tests, crafting a compelling application narrative, and showcasing extracurricular achievements can all boost your chances.